§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received concerning the refurbishment of Woolaway type homes under the Housing Defects Act; how many such homes in Wales are eligible under the Act; how many refurbishment schemes have been completed to date; what is the existing financial limit on such schemes; if he will increase that limit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe Welsh Office has received 18 representations and inquiries about the reinstatement of Woolaway houses. According to returns from local authorities, there are about 230 such houses which originated in the public sector and were sold before the cut-off date for assistance under the Housing Defects Act 1984. I am not aware of any that have yet been reinstated. The eligible expense limit for reinstatement grant under the Act is £14,000.
We have no plans to increase the limit at present. No repair scheme for Woolaway houses has been licensed by PRC Homes Ltd. yet and it is too early to see if the present limit will prove appropriate or not. We would be prepared to prescribe a new limit should it prove necessary.