asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make funds available to local authorities to enable them to build extensions to existing council houses in which there is clear evidence of overcrowding; the amount of money that will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Financing of House Extensions.
88.
The provision of additional accommodation to relieve overcrowding in their rented dwellings is a matter for the local authority concerned. In addition to paying improvement grants of up to £2,000 for such work, my Department operates a scheme of unsubsidised loans to enable local authorities to carry out certain improvement works including the provision of additional accommodation to relieve overcrowding in their rented dwellings. A sum of £1 million has been provided in the 1986 public capital programme for this purpose and it is open to local authorities to apply for funding under this scheme.
Question No. 84 taken as oral.