§ Mr. Evansasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total amount of money made available to local authorities in England and Wales for loft insulation grants for 1985–86; and how this compares with 1984–85.
§ Sir George Young[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1986]: In 1985–86 the total resources made available to local authorities for grants under the homes insulation schme in England was £27.9 million. In 1984–85 a total of £31.5 million was made available. In Wales, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales is responsible for the homes insulation scheme.
§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department has been consulted about rent increases for tenants in the Greater London council's seaside and country homes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George Young[pursuant to his reply, 11 July 1986]: My Department has received letters from the London residiary body and Anchor housing association, who are discussing arrangements for transfer of the homes. They are aware of my Answer on 15 November 1984 to my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond and Barnes (Mr. Hanley). I indicated that the financcial basis of transfer to district councils should enable them broadly to maintain on abolition the then existing levels of rent and management and maintenance expenditure, although changes both before and after abolition were not precluded. We have since agreed to a request by the ALA and LBA that the homes should be transferred not to district councils but to a housing association where fair rents apply, but the answer is still relevant to current discussions.