Vol. 511 No. 2
124 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the provision, if any, he has made in the recent Estimates for changes in the rates of grant for disabled persons adapting a home or for essential repairs for senior citizens; and the changes and dates on which they will come into force. [23935/99]
I increased the effective maximum grant payable under the disabled persons grants scheme by 50% in December last from £8,000 to £12,000 in the case of works commenced on or after 2 December 1998. In addition, the maximum grant payable in respect of private houses was increased to three-quarters of the approved cost of the works compared to two-thirds previously, subject to the overall maximum grant of £12,000. With regard to the essential repairs grant scheme, I increased the effective maximum grant from £1,800 to £4,500 also effective in the case of works commenced on or after 2 December 1998.
The Estimates provision for recoupment to local authorities in respect of these two grant schemes was increased from an outturn of £5.598 million in 1998 to £10.5 million in 1999 and I have provided for a further substantial increase in 2000. These increases reflect the improvements in the maximum grant levels available and the increased rate of recoupment by my Department to local authorities from 50% to two-thirds of grants paid. Should any further improvements to the terms of these schemes prove necessary or appropriate adequate provision to fund such changes will be made.
