(1)Subject to the provisions of this Part, a local authority shall, where an application in that behalf is made to the local authority, give assistance in respect of the improvement of any house by way of making an improvement grant in respect of the cost of executing works required for the house to be provided with one or more of the standard amenities which it presently lacks, if on completion of the works the house will, in the opinion of the local authority—
(a)be provided with all of the standard amentities for the exclusive use of its occupants; and
(b)meet the tolerable standard.
[F1(1A)The standard amenities are those amenities referred to in section 86(1)(e), (f) and (fa).
(1B)An order under section 86(2) may amend the reference to the provisions of that section specified in subsection (1A) of this section.]
(2)A local authority shall not make an improvement grant under this section in respect of a house comprised in a building containing more than one house, unless they are satisfied that the works carried out on the house will not prevent the improvement of any other house in the building.
(3)Where an application in that behalf is made to a local authority in relation to any house, an improvement grant shall be made under subsection (1) in respect of the cost of executing works required for the house to be provided with a standard amenity, notwithstanding that the house already has such a standard amenity, if in the opinion of the local authority the additional standard amenity to be provided is essential to the needs of a disabled occupant.
(4)Paragraph (a) of subsection (1) shall not apply where the house in respect of which application for a grant is made is not likely to be available for use as a house for a period of at least 10 years.
(5)Subsection (1) shall not apply in respect of a house which is or forms part of a house or building as regards which the local authority are satisfied that they have power to serve a notice under section 161 (power to require execution of works of descriptions other than work to make good neglect).
F2(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(7)The amount of an improvement grant made under this section shall be [F3a minimum of ] 50 per cent. or such other percentage as may be prescribed of the approved expense, F4....
F5(8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(9)Section 86 shall have effect for determining whether a house meets the tolerable standard for the purposes of subsection (1) as it has effect for determining whether a house meets that standard for the purposes of Part IV.
(10)The Secretary of State may by order—
(a)vary the requirements of subsection (1)(a) and (b);
F6(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F7(11). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(12)The percentage of the approved expense that may be prescribed under subsection (7) [F8shall be prescribed by order of the Scottish Ministers; and different provision may be made for different cases or descriptions of case.]
(13)An order made under subsectionF9...(10)(a) shall be made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
(14)An order made under subsection (12) shall be made by statutory instrument and shall not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by resolution of the House of Commons.
Textual Amendments
F1S. 244(1A)(1B) inserted (1.10.2003) by Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 10), ss. 102(2)(a), 113(1); S.S.I. 2003/434, art. 2, sch. (with arts. 3, 4)
F2S. 244(6) repealed (1.10.2003) by Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 10), s. 113(1), sch. 10 para. 13(27)(a); S.S.I. 2003/434, art. 2, sch. (with arts. 3, 4)
F3Words in s. 244(7) inserted (1.10.2003) by Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 10), ss. 102(2)(b), 113(1); S.S.I. 2003/434, art. 2, sch. (with arts. 3, 4)
F4Words in s. 244(7) repealed (1.10.2003) by Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 10), s. 113(1), sch. 10 para. 13(27)(b); S.S.I. 2003/434, art. 2, sch. (with arts. 3, 4)
F5S. 244(8) repealed (1.10.2003) by Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 10), s. 113(1), sch. 10 para. 13(27)(c); S.S.I. 2003/434, art. 2, sch. (with arts. 3, 4)
F6S. 244(10)(b) repealed (1.10.2003) by Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 10), s. 113(1), sch. 10 para. 13(27)(c); S.S.I. 2003/434, art. 2, sch. (with arts. 3, 4)
F7S. 244(11) repealed (1.10.2003) by Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 10), s. 113(1), sch. 10 para. 13(27)(c); S.S.I. 2003/434, art. 2, sch. (with arts. 3, 4)
F8Words in s. 244(12) substituted (1.10.2003) by Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 10), s. 113(1), sch. 10 para. 13(27)(d); S.S.I. 2003/434, art. 2, sch. (with arts. 3, 4)
F9Words in s. 244(13) repealed (1.10.2003) by Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 10), s. 113(1), sch. 10 para. 13(27)(e); S.S.I. 2003/434, art. 2, sch. (with arts. 3, 4)