HC Deb 01 November 1994 vol 248 cc1012-3W
Mr. Hawksley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what conclusion he has reached in his review of the Home Improvement Agency grant programme.

Mr. David Atkinson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what conclusions he has reached following his review of the Home Improvement Agency grant programme.

Mr. Robert B. Jones

The review has confirmed that home improvement agencies provide an important service helping a large and increasing number of vulnerable people improve their homes. Their work is highly valued by both clients and practitioners, especially local authorities, and makes a significant contribution to the effective delivery of housing and community care policies.

We have therefore concluded that the grant programme should continue for a further five years from 1 April 1995. We are now considering the detailed arrangements under which the programme will operate in the light of suggestions made by consultees.

I am placing in the Library a report of the studies which informed the review, together with a list of the responses received to the consultation letter issued by my Department in June. Copies of individual responses may be obtained through the Library.