§ Mr. GregoryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals he has for the future funding of home improvement agencies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KeyHome improvement agencies have a valuable role to play in helping the elderly, the disabled and those people on low incomes living in poor condition houses to improve their living conditions. The existing experimental scheme which expires on 31 March 1991 is to be replaced by a permanent scheme open to agencies throughout the country. Fifty per cent. of the running costs of approved schemes will be met by Government grant.
Each local housing authority will be responsible for identifying the needs of its area and securing the establishment and operation of appropriate schemes. I believe that this fits in very well with the enabling role of such authorities, and provides a fine opportunity for partnership between central and local government and other bodies in the housing field. Payment of the Government's contribution will be subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, and will be made to schemes in accordance with previously agreed budgets.
We also intend to provide support for a central co-ordinating body to undertake developmental work, monitor progress and provide help to the individual schemes including training and access to specialist advice. We will be holding discussions with appropriate organisations about the best way of establishing this body, and a further announcement will be made as soon as possible.
These arrangements will be closely monitored and will be subject to a full review in four years' time.