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Two methods of application are available. The first is
to apply for an improvement grant-known as a discretionary grantunder
the Housing (Financial Provisions) Act, 1958. The maximum
grant payable is one half of the approved expenditure (which must
not be less than £100) subject to a maximum allowance of £400.
In considering a scheme of improvement or conversion submitted
for grant, only one question may properly be asked, namely,
whether it will produce a satisfactory modernised dwelling complying
with the statutory conditions and the specified requirements.
The requirements which the Minister of Housing and Local
Government has specified for a dwelling, in respect of which an
improvement grant may be made, are as follows:-
The dwelling must, after improvement or conversion-
1. Be in a good state of repair and substantially
free from damp;
2. have each room properly lighted and ventilated;
3. have an adequate supply of wholesome water laid
on inside the dwelling;
4. be provided with efficient and adequate means
of supplying hot water for domestic purposes;
5. have an internal or otherwise readily accessible
water closet;
6. have a fixed bath (or shower) preferably in a
separate room;
7. be provided with a sink or sinks and with suitable
arrangements for the disposal of waste
water;
8. have a proper drainage system;
9. be provided in each room with adequate points for
gas or electric lighting (where reasonably available
);
10. be provided with adequate facilities for heating;
11. have satisfactory facilities for storing, preparing
and cooking food;
12. have proper provision for the storage of fuel
(where required).
Applications for improvement (discretionary) grants
received and dealt with during 1963 are summarised as follows:-
Applications received 38
Applications granted 31
Applications refused 7
Total amount of grants approved £11,355.15s. 0d.
The second method is to apply for standard grants, which
were introduced by the House Purchase & Housing Act, 1959. The Act
sets up a new system of standard grants to supplement the present