§ Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he has any plans to exclude from enveloping schemes blocks of houses, the majority of which have, or are about to have, local authority grants; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungProposed enveloping schemes are considered on their merits, but where substantial external improvements have already been or are likely to be achieved, whether or not with the aid of renovation grants under the Housing Acts, the dwellings would not normally be considered eligible for funding as part of an enveloping scheme. Improvement of the insides of dwellings, with grant, is, however, encouraged following enveloping to achieve comprehensive improvement.
§ Mr. Tony Lloydasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to make a decision about enveloping schemes for the Cranbourne road houses in 'the Walter street housing action area in the Stretford constituency.
§ Sir George YoungAn application to carry out phase III of an enveloping scheme in the Walter street housing area, which includes housing in Cranbourne road, was received on 10 July. A decision will be made as soon as possible.
§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the progress of the initiative on enveloping; and what representations he has received from the construction industry alleging over-complex or too detailed administrative procedures.
§ Sir George YoungSince the enveloping initiative was launched in December 1982, 49 schemes have been approved. The technique is being used by a number of authorities to tackle some of the most difficult problems of housing.
The Department is in frequent contact with the Building Employers Confederation on enveloping and other matters. In the light of its and other representations, and our experience of schemes so far, we are looking at ways of streamlining the administrative procedures associated with schemes, while continuing to ensure that they represent good value for money.