The essential repairs grant scheme is operated by local authorities in accordance with statutory regulations which are designed to give an appropriate degree of flexibility to the authorities. It is a matter for each local authority to decide the level of funding to be provided for the scheme in their area from within overall allocations by my Department for house purchase and improvement loans, disabled persons and essential repairs grants. It is also a matter for local authorities to assess the circumstances of each individual applicant, to decide what works are necessary to prolong the useful life of the house for the occupants, to determine the level of grants in individual cases and the circumstances in which a grant may be paid.
The total amount recouped by my Department to local authorities under the scheme has increased from £0.691 million, or 0.877 million, in 1997 to £2.148 million, or 2.727 million, in 2000 and to £2.331 million, or 2.960 million, for the first nine months of this year. I have also substantially improved the terms of the grant, increasing the effective maximum grant from £1,800 or 2,286 prior to 2 December 1998 to £7,500 or 9,523 currently and I also increased the maximum percentage recoupment payable by my Department from 50% to two-thirds of the amount of the grant paid by the local authority. The increase in the effective maximum grant has allowed local authorities greater flexibility in relation to the type of works which may be carried out under the scheme. My Department is currently updating guidelines for local authorities on the scheme, which will consolidate previous guidance in relation to its administration.
