§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimates he has of the number of home owners wishing to take up a home improvement grant who are unable to do so because of inability to afford the temporary accommodation required while the work in question is carried out; what assistance is available to them; and if he will make a statement. [31906]
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesThe legislation for house renovation grants makes no specific provision to cover the costs of temporary accommodation for applicants while works are in progress. Local authorities may rehouse applicants under their discretionary powers in the Housing Act 1985, but correspondence to my Department suggests that many grant applicants prefer to stay in their homes while the works are carried out.