§ Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses in Lewisham are in a condition which would qualify them for repairs or renovation grants; and what is the average cost per household of such grants.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesMy Department has not made estimates of numbers of properties which would qualify for renovation grants in individual London boroughs. Qualification depends both on the condition of the property and the circumstances of the owner.
The London borough of Lewisham commissioned the Lewisham private sector house condition survey in 1993. This estimated that 9,500 private homes—14 per cent.—in the London borough of Lewisham did not meet current fitness standards. It does not estimate how many of these homes would qualify for renovation grants if their owners applied, or the cost of such grants.
Mandatory renovation grants made by the local authority to households in Lewisham in 1994–95 are expected to average around £12,300 each, while discretionary minor works grants are expected to average around £600 each.