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This Housing Act also permits payment of grant towards
means of ignition, whether or not fixtures or works are involved.
Hitherto, grant has been payable on ignition costs only when
works were involved,
CONVERSION COSTS
The increase in the popularity of Gas Fires and the higher
grant available for this type of appliance, and for the
installation of Room Heaters, resulted in a considerable increase
in applications for grants.
The Well Hall Smoke Control Area which became operative
in October 1964 was the first Area in which the increased grant
aid was available. Prior to this Area the Council had been
restricted to the approval of a maximum of £5. 0. Od. irrespective
of the type of appliance being chosen.
After lengthy discussions with the Ministry the increased
level of expenditure was raised to £20. 0. Od. in respect of a gas
fire and comparable prices were fixed for other improved appliances.
In the Well Hall Smoke Control Area it was estimated that
3,000 dwellings required conversion work to be carried out. During
1964 the Council received 2,535 applications for approval of
installation of appliances. The total cost of works carried out
during the year amounted to £63,865.12. Od. Of the sum,
£42,636. 9. 5d. was eligible for 7/10ths grant. Grants paid
totalled £29,845. 10. 2d.
HARDSHIP CASES
The Clean Air Act gives the Council discretion to pay a
greater than 7/10ths grant, where it considers this to be reasonable,
to cover cases of financial hardship. The Council decided to pay
the whole cost of reasonable works of conversion in the case of
applications for owner/occupiers who are receiving retirement
pensions and who are also in receipt of National Assistance.
Twenty such payments were made during the year. In addition, six
payments were made in respect of retirement pensioners who, although
eligible, had not applied for National Assistance.
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