(1)Section 237 (form of application for improvement grant) of the 1987 Act is amended as follows—
(a)at the beginning insert “(1)”,
(b)at the end of paragraph (b), the word “and” is repealed,
(c)after paragraph (c) insert “, and
(d)such other matters, including information on the matters mentioned in section 240A(2)(a), as may be prescribed.
(2)Different forms and different information may be prescribed under subsection (1) for different purposes.
(3)A local authority may require an applicant to provide, within such reasonable period as they may specify, such information as they consider necessary to satisfy themselves that the information in the application form is accurate.
(4)The local authority shall disregard any application from an applicant who fails to comply with such a requirement.”
(2)After that section insert—
(1)A person who—
(a)knowingly or recklessly makes a statement—
(i)in an application for an improvement grant,
(ii)in response to a requirement made under section 237(3),
which is false in a material particular,
(b)fails, without reasonable excuse, to notify the local authority of any change of circumstances material to that person’s case, or
(c)fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a requirement made under section 237(3),
shall be guilty of an offence.
(2)A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.”