Guidance to local authorities
Comprehensive guidance for local authorities on the new improvement and repair grants system was published in September 2003, and can be accessed from the following link:
Guidance for Local Authorities on Improvement and Repair Grants
In addition, linked to this page, circulars and memoranda on grants have been reproduced, which were issued in relation to the Housing (Scotland) Acts of 1969, 1974 and 1987.
Much of the guidance issued over the past 30 years is still helpful, although the legislation has moved on. For example, Memorandum 29/1974 provides detail on the types of grant-aided work which would be accepted in claims for Exchequer contributions. While Exchequer contributions are no longer paid, the guidance remains valid in clarifying what works the Scottish Government would regard as appropriate for grant assistance.
The Housing Improvement Task Force, which reported in March 2003, made extensive recommendations about improving the condition of private housing in Scotland. These include proposals for reviewing the Tolerable Standard and producing detailed guidance on its operation and interpretation. For this reason, we have decided not to attempt to update the existing circulars on standards and eligible works at this time, but simply to draw attention to this guidance, which many local authorities have embedded in their own policies and procedures.
The advice in these circulars should be read with the provisions of the current legislation in mind. Where it refers to other statutory requirements, for example in relation to Building Standards Regulations or water quality standards, please refer to the current standards in force.
Circulars:
29/1974 - General guidance on improvement works (137KB)
10/1982 - Works to replace lead plumbing (101KB)
21/1988 - Requirements in respect of houses improved with grant (1.52MB)
29/1992 - Works to reduce exposure to radon gas (103KB)
22/1995 - Changes to the requirements for the location of a watercloset (68KB)