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20
HOUSE PURCHASE AND HOUSING ACT. 1959
The House Purchase and Housing Act, 1959, came into operation in
June, 1959, and provides for standard and discretionary improvement grants.
The "Standard Grant" is available for the cost of installing a
bath, water closet in or contiguous to the building, hot water system,
wash hand basin and satisfactory facilities for storing food in a dwelling
without one or more of those facilities. Subject to the dwelling being
likely to remain fit for human habitation for not less than 15 years and
the applicant having a freehold or leasehold interest, of which not less
than 15 years remains unexpired, the local authority must approve a grant.
The maximum amount of Standard Grant, which is 50% of the cost of
carrying out the work, shall not exceed £155 if all the following facilities
are provided. The maximum amount of grant payable for each facility is
as follows:
Fixed bath or shower in a bathroom £25
Wash hand basin £5
Hot water supply £75
Water closet in or contiguous to the dwelling £40
Satisfactory facilities for storing food £10
On completion, the dwelling must possess all the amenities.
The Council has continued to give "Discretionary Grants" for
works of improvement or conversion up to a cost of £800 and subject to
a grant up to 50% of this cost.
Generally speaking Discretionary Grants are given where more
extensive work is necessary to provide modern amenities, for example, the
construction of a bathroom extension to an existing house.
During the year numerous enquiries were made by ratepayers and
advice was given. Although many did not avail themselves of the facilities
offered a considerable amount of work has been carried out. The following
tables show the number of grants approved and payments made during the year:
Standard Grants.