§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what advice he has given to local authorities concerning the end of 90 per cent. housing renovation grants; what commitments he has given concerning the level of subsidy payable to councils paying the 90 per cent. rate on applications received by 31 March 1984; what documentation he requires for such applications so submitted to qualify for subsidy of the 90 per cent. rate; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungLocal authorities were advised in October 1983 that the higher rates for intermediate and repairs grants, providing temporarily for a maximum rate of 90 per cent., which were introduced in April 1982, would not be extended to applications made after 31 March 1984.
The order which introduced the higher grant rates specified that the Exchequer contribution towards the annual loan charges incurred by local authorities in financing grants at the higher rates would be 95 per cent. in the case of repairs grants, and 90 per cent. for intermediate grants. These contributions are payable in respect of all eligible applications submitted before 1 April 1984 and subsequently approved, even if the approval is given after that date.
To qualify for the higher rates of grant, valid applications made before 1 April 1984 must have contained details of the relevant premises, including age and, where appropriate, rateable value; particulars of the proposed works, with a plan; and an estimate of the cost of the works.