Vol. 558 No. 3
11 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the policies of several local authorities not to process disability home improvement grants to qualified applicants who are in dispute with such authorities on the subject of payment of service charges; if such a policy is compatible with the Barcelona Declaration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23911/02]
The administration of the disabled persons grant scheme in individual cases, including decisions in relation to applicants who are in arrears of payment of local authority charges, rents or loans is a matter for the local authority concerned. Local authorities have power under section 7 of the Local Government (Financial Provisions) (No.2) Act, 1983 to offset against moneys due by them to a person any sum which is due to the authority by that person in respect of any charges made by the authority. Having regard to the fact that authorities also have power to operate waiver provisions in respect of local charges, I do not consider that the operation by authorities of section 7 of the 1983 Act is incompatible with the terms of the Barcelona Declaration.
