Private Sector Housing Renovation Grants

EDM number 1365 in 1993-94, proposed by Edward O'Hara on 21/06/1994.

That this House takes note of the representation made to Ministers with all-party support by the five Merseyside local authorities about current funding arrangements for private sector housing renewal programmes; is concerned that current arrangements do not enable local authorities to deal effectively with problems arising from the decline in the country's older private housing stock, which it regards as a major national asset; foresees that, without a combination of direct but flexible powers for local authorities and secure adequate funding for balanced improvements and gradual renewal, there will be a continued deterioration in the condition of the stock, an increase in the barriers preventing new owner-occupiers from entering the market, a disincentive to investment in the private rented sector, consequent severe and increasing social disruption, an inability of local authorities to provide proper facilities, the undermining of care in the community, and huge though avoidable demands on the public purse; and therefore calls upon Her Majesty's Government immediately to act to protect local authorities from legal action with regard to applications for renovation grants after the specified capital grant is committed, and, for the future, to provide to local authorities adequate funding to meet their responsibilities for private sector housing renewal.

This motion has been signed by a total of 55 MPs.