(1)In section 236 (power of local authorities to make improvement grants) of the 1987 Act, in subsection (2)—
(a)the word “and” at the end of sub-paragraph (i) of paragraph (a) is repealed,
(b)after that sub-paragraph insert—
“(ia)replacement of unsafe electrical wiring,
(ib)installation of mains-powered smoke detectors,
(ic)provision of adequate heating systems,
(id)provision of adequate thermal insulation,”,
(c)after sub-paragraph (ii) of paragraph (a) insert—
“(iii)in relation to a building in common ownership, the matters specified in subsection (2A);”.
(2)After subsection (2) of that section insert—
“(2A)The matters referred to in subsection (2)(a)(iii) are the installation of—
(a)a fire-retardant door at the entrance to each house,
(b)a main door entry-phone system.”
(3)In subsection (3) of that section, in the definition of “disabled person”, for the words from “means” to the end substitute “ has the same meaning as in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (c.50) ”.
(4)After that section insert—
(1)A tenant is not eligible for an improvement grant unless the works in respect of which the grant is sought have, for the period of 2 years preceding the tenant’s application, been his responsibility under his lease.
(2)Subsection (1) does not apply if the works are—
(a)for the purpose mentioned in section 236(2)(a)(ii), or
(b)required for the health and safety of the occupants of the house.
(3)The Scottish Ministers may by order modify subsections (2)(a) and (2A) of section 236, either generally or in relation to particular cases or areas.
(4)No such order shall be made unless a draft of the order has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Scottish Parliament.”