Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
PRESS RELEASE
18 May 2001
For Use: Immediately
Comhairle nan Eilean SiarPRESS RELEASE18 May 2001 For Use: Immediately | |
Contrary to some media reports, there is no 'freezing' of Housing Improvement Grants by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
The Convener of the Comhairle, Mr. Alex MacDonald, said today:
"There is provision for £200k of new applications for improvement grants per month within this financial year. This is in line with the decision taken by the Housing Committee in March of this year and subsequently agreed by the Comhairle. Whilst it is not possible to accommodate every application, there is no 'freeze' on grants. £8.1m is available for Improvement Grants over a three year period but there was a high demand which could have led to an imbalance in grant funds available over the three year period. The Comhairle therefore agreed to prioritise applications and make awards of grant based on the level of need. Those in greatest need will receive the highest priority. The improvements grant scheme is a success story of the Western Isles, providing many of the most vulnerable within our community with the support they need whilst at the same time providing a much needed steady flow of work for local contractors. I hope that this corrects any misunderstanding about this issue."
A report outlining the strategy to address the current high level of demand
for grant assistance will go to the Housing Committee at the end of May.
Ends
Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer