§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provision has been made for owner-occupiers in need of repairs or maintenance to receive grants for such work from local authorities; and whether the system will operate on(a) a means-tested grant, (b) aid and (c) a loan basis.
§ Mr. TrippierPart VIII of the Local Government and Housing Bill provides for a system of grants towards the cost of the repair and improvement of owner-occupied property, subject to a test of an applicant's resources. Details of the proposed test are given in the consultation 363W paper "Renovation Grants: Proposed Test of Resources" published by my Department on 9 January 1989, a copy of which is available in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what provision has been made for extra funding for local authorities in order that they may fulfil their obligation to owner-occupiers as outlined in the Housing Act 1988.
§ Mr. TrippierProvision for local authority housing capital expenditure is decided annually in the light of the Government's overall expenditure priorities. Discussion son the 1990–91 public expenditure plans are at an early stage, and will take account of the provisions in the Housing Act 1988 and in the Local Government and Housing Bill, which reforms the home improvement grant system.