Under the disabled persons grant scheme grants are available from local authorities towards the adaptation of existing houses to meet the needs of disabled people. Significant improvements to the terms and conditions of the scheme were announced as part of the 1999 budget. The effective maximum grant has been increased by 50 per cent from £8,000 to £12,000. In addition, the grant can now cover three-quarters of the approved cost of the works to private houses compared to two-thirds previously subject to the maximum amount of the grant which is set by the local authority. Details of the improved terms of the scheme were notified to local authorities by circular letter HGS 4/98 of 3 December 1998.