2. In section 240 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 (conditions for approval of certain applications for improvement grant)(1)—
(a)in subsection (2)(c), for sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii) substitute—
“(i)the range of values for the valuation band in which the occupied premises are listed exceeds the range of values for the prescribed valuation band; or
(ii)if it is to be provided by the conversion of two or more houses, the aggregate of the middle values of the valuation band in which each of those houses is listed exceeds the highest value of the range of values for the prescribed valuation band:”;
(b)for subsection (4) substitute—
“(4) In paragraph (c) of subsection (2)—
“middle value”, in relation to a valuation band, means the amount midway between the amount which values in that range must exceed or in the case of valuation band A nothing, and the amount which they must not exceed;
“prescribed valuation band” means such valuation band as the Secretary of State with the consent of the Treasury may prescribe; and different valuation bands may be so prescribed for different cases and for different classes of cases; and a valuation band so prescribed shall be prescribed by order of the Secretary of State made by statutory instrument which shall be subject to annulment by resolution of either House of Parliament; and
references to a valuation band and a range of values shall be construed in accordance with section 74 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992(2) and are references to those which apply on the date of the application for grant.
(4A) For the purpose of this section, premises or a house are listed in a particular valuation band if that valuation band is shown as applicable to the premises or house in the valuation list compiled in accordance with Part II of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 or section 26 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994(3).”.