§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what actions have been taken by his Department since the liquidation of Trafford Home Improvement Services to safeguard(a) public money and (b) moneys owed to owner-occupiers and building firms; and when these actions were taken; [23043]
(2) if he will make a statement on the position of creditors of Trafford Home Improvement Services; [23044]
(3) if he will make a statement on the discussions he has held with Trafford council in respect of the liquidation of Trafford Home Improvement Services; [23045]
(4) if he will make a statement on the liquidation of Trafford Home Improvement Services in Trafford, Greater Manchester; [23046]
(5) if he will make a statement on the relationship between his Department, Trafford council and Trafford Home Improvement Services, with reference to appointments to that body or concerning that body which were made by him, or by Trafford council and the financial regulations which he imposed; [23047]
(6) when his Department was made aware of the financial position of Trafford Home Improvement Services which led to its liquidation; and what action his Department took. [23048]
§ Mr. ClappisonIn early February, my Department was informed by Trafford council that Trafford Home Improvement Services had gone into voluntary liquidation. Trafford Home Improvement Services is a private company limited by guarantee, used by Trafford council to provide home improvement agency services in its area. None of the directors or guarantors of the company is appointed by the Government. I am unable, therefore, to comment on the position of the creditors. It is understood that the receivers appointed by the creditors will prepare a report in due course.
Local authorities are invited each year to submit bids for grant towards the costs of providing home improvement agency services in their area. Authorities are responsible for agreeing individual budgets produced by home improvement agencies and for claiming grant on their behalf. In view of the collapse of Trafford Home Improvement Services, the Department has asked for a full report from Trafford council on affairs of the agency. The Department is also seeking to establish whether the authority has breached any of the grant conditions and, if appropriate, will seek recovery of grant.
The Department has agreed to fund Trafford council's costs in employing an official for one month to assist with the orderly closure of the agency. Care and Repair Ltd., the national co-ordinating body appointed by the Government to advise on home improvement agencies, is also closely involved with the programme of work to wind up the affairs of the agency.
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