§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any plans to apply means-testing to the award of home improvements grants; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Government issued a consultation paper in May 1988 setting out their proposals for the reform of the present improvement and repairs grants system in Scotland. The proposals included the introduction of a test of financial eligibility to determine grant entitlement, so that resources could be directed to those most in need of assistance.
The consultation paper was the subject of many detailed and constructive comments from a wide range of bodies. These are being fully considered as proposals for a new system are developed, but there are no plans to legislate on this subject in Scotland for the time being. A further consultation paper will be issued before any legislation is introduced for consideration by Parliament.