§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the categories of grant available to shopkeepers in Wales to improve and modernise their premises; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RedwoodWelsh Office funding of local authority regeneration projects and strategies, through the strategic development scheme, includes in some cases support for grant aid towards the renovation of shops and other properties. They are normally in designated commercial improvement or renewal areas. The Welsh Development Agency's town improvement grant may support external improvement of buildings, including shops, in urban areas. The Welsh Office-through Cadw, Welsh Historic Monuments—may also offer grants on the advice of the Historic Buildings Council for Wales towards the costs of repairs in buildings of outstanding historic or architectural interest.
Grant may also be provided towards external repairs which would make a significant contribution to the enhancement of the preservation of the character of buildings within a conservation area, or form part of a designated town scheme, administered by the local planning authority.