Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996

12Renovation grants: purposes for which grant may be given

(1)The purposes for which an application for a renovation grant, other than a conversion application, may be approved are the following—

(a)to comply with a notice under section 189 of the [1985 c. 68.] Housing Act 1985 (repair notice in respect of unfit premises) or otherwise to render the dwelling fit for human habitation;

(b)to comply with a notice under section 190 of that Act (repair notice in respect of premises not unfit but in need of substantial repair) or otherwise to put the dwelling in reasonable repair;

(c)to provide adequate thermal insulation;

(d)to provide adequate facilities for space heating;

(e)to provide satisfactory internal arrangements;

(f)to provide means of escape in case of fire or other fire precautions, not being precautions required under or by virtue of any enactment (whenever passed);

(g)to ensure that the dwelling complies with such requirements with respect to construction or physical condition as may be specified by the Secretary of State;

(h)to ensure that there is compliance with such requirements with respect to the provision or condition of services and amenities to or within the dwelling as are so specified;

(i)any other purpose for the time being specified for the purposes of this section by order of the Secretary of State.

(2)The purpose for which a conversion application may be approved is to provide one or more dwellings by the conversion of a house or other building.

(3)If in the opinion of the authority the relevant works are more or less extensive than is necessary to achieve any of the purposes set out in subsection (1) or (2), they may, with the consent of the applicant, treat the application as varied so that the relevant works are limited to or, as the case may be, include such works as seem to the authority to be necessary for that purpose.

(4)The reference in paragraph (f) of subsection (1) to precautions required under or by virtue of an enactment does not include precautions required to comply with a notice under section 352 of the Housing Act 1985 (notice requiring execution of works to render house in multiple occupation fit for number of occupants) so far as it relates to premises which are not part of a house in multiple occupation for the purposes of this Part.

(5)In exercise of the powers conferred by paragraphs (g) and (h) of subsection (1) the Secretary of State may specify requirements generally or for particular cases, and may specify different requirements for different areas.