To ask the Minister for Social Development whether he has received a proposal from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to reinstate the Home Repair Assistance grant scheme.

The Housing Executive submitted a proposal to my Department earlier this year to have a more flexible approach to Home Repairs Assistance Grants (HRAG). However, the proposal related to a short term scheme which would only be available in a selected number of areas. It was therefore considered not to be a feasible option at this time

Having consulted on proposals to deregulate the statutory grants schemes, including the HRAG, my Department is currently examining options to make available alternative forms of assistance for repair and improvement in the private sector. I hope to make an announcement about this matter by Spring 2014.