Vol. 524 No. 2
321 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if a person can qualify for both the essential repairs grant and the conservation grant simultaneously for repairs undertaken by a pensioner in respect of a protected structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21889/00]
The essential repairs grants are available from local authorities for necessary works to dwellings that have deteriorated to such an extent that they cannot be made fit for human habitation in all respects at a reasonable cost. The grant is usually confined to the carrying out of limited repair works for elderly persons to prolong the life of the dwelling so as to avoid the possibility of having to move to a different area or to be rehoused by the local authority. The full cost of the works is met by the relevant local authority and then recouped by them from my Department. The maximum amount which may be recouped is £4,000 or two thirds of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser.
The conservation grant scheme is operated by the local authorities. The purpose of the scheme is to assist the owner or occupier of a protected structure to undertake necessary works to secure the conservation of the structure or part of the structure. The scheme is not intended to assist in carrying out routine maintenance, alterations or improvements. The standard grant is 50% of the approved costs of the works up to a maximum of £10,000. A local authority may, at its discretion, vary this amount downwards or, in exceptional circumstances, upwards, subject to a maximum allowable grant of 75% of the cost of the approved works or £20,000, whichever is the lesser.
While the schemes referred to above are not mutually exclusive, it is unlikely that a person who qualifies for the essential repairs grant would be in a position to meet the matching financial requirement of the protected structure scheme.
