§ Ms. Harmanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities currently operate home improvement grant schemes.
§ Sir George YoungI would expect all local authorities to operate home improvement grant schemes. Under part VII of the Housing Act 1974, all authorities are required to approve mandatory grants provided certain qualifying conditions are met, and must therefore operate schemes for approving and giving such grants. Other grants under this legislation are discretionary, and local authorities may approve applications in such circumstances as they see fit.