asked the Minister for the Environment the average length of time taken by local authorities for house adaptations for the physically handicapped and if he has satisfied himself with the working of the disabled persons grant scheme at the present time.
Written Answers. - Facilities for Physically Handicapped.
455.
The information requested is not available in my Department. Very few complaints about the working of the disabled persons grant scheme have been received in my Department and I am satisfied that, in general, the scheme is operating satisfactorily.
456.
asked the Minister for the Environment the grants available for the adaptation of buildings for access by physically handicapped persons.
A special grant is available for the provision of an extra room or for other structural work necessary for the proper accommodation of a physically disabled or severely mentally handicapped person in an existing house. In the case of a non-vested local authority house, a grant of up to the full approved cost may be paid; in the case of other houses, the grant is up to two-thirds of the approved cost.
The scheme is administered by the local authorities. My Department recoups half of the cost incurred by a local authority, subject to a maximum recoupment of £1,200 in any case.