§ Mr. Gwilym JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what changes he proposes to make to the test of resources for house renovation grants; and what further guidance he intends to issue to local authorities on the provisions of part VIII of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.
§ Mr. Nicholas BennettRegulations uprating the allowances and premiums used to assess the eligibility of 197W applicants for house renovation grants including those to help provide facilities for disabled people came into force today. These changes are in line with the annual uprating applied to other income related benefits on which the test of resources is largely based. The Department's circular 15/91 issued to all local authorities in Wales on 18 April explains the effect of the new regulations and also gives advice on other matters relating to the implementation of the grant regime and area based renovation techniques.