§ Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment on what date he plans to introduce changes to the house renovation grant system.
§ Sir George YoungWe now plan that the changes will take effect on 5 April to coincide with adjustments to housing benefit on which the means test for house renovation grants is based. Amending regulations to implement changes to the means test to improve targeting of resources on low income applicants and to make consequential changes to the prescribed application forms were laid before Parliament on 15 March. An order introducing a limit of £50,000 on mandatory renovation grants and amending regulations revising the cost limits for minor works assistance were also laid.
These changes will be separately notified to local housing authorities and a departmental circular will be issued shortly.