2.—(1) “Owner-occupier payments” means—
(a)payments of interest on a loan which qualifies under sub-paragraph (2) or (4); and
(b)in respect of an SPC claimant only, alternative finance payments within the meaning of paragraph 5(3).
(2) A loan qualifies under this sub-paragraph where the loan was taken out to defray monies applied for any of the following purposes—
(a)acquiring an interest in the relevant accommodation; or
(b)paying off another loan which would have qualified under paragraph (a) had it not been paid off.
(3) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2), references to a loan also include a reference to money borrowed under a hire purchase agreement, as defined in section 189 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974(1), for any purpose specified in paragraph (a) or (b) of sub-paragraph (2).
(4) A loan qualifies under this sub-paragraph if it was taken out, with or without security, for the purpose of—
(a)carrying out repairs and improvements to the relevant accommodation;
(b)paying any service charge imposed to meet the cost of repairs and improvements to the relevant accommodation;
(c)paying off another loan that would have qualified under paragraphs (a) and (b) had it not been paid off,
as long as the loan is used for that purpose within 6 months beginning with the date of receipt or as soon as reasonably practicable.
(5) In sub-paragraph (4), “repairs and improvements” means any of the following measures undertaken with a view to maintaining the fitness of the relevant accommodation, or any part of the building containing the relevant accommodation, for human habitation—
(a)provision of a fixed bath, shower, wash basin, sink or lavatory, and necessary associated plumbing, including the provision of hot water not connected to a central heating system;
(b)repairs to existing heating systems;
(c)damp proof measures;
(d)provision of ventilation and natural lighting;
(e)provision of drainage facilities;
(f)provision of facilities for preparing and cooking food;
(g)provision of insulation;
(h)provision of electric lighting and sockets;
(i)provision of storage facilities for fuel or refuse;
(j)repairs of unsafe structural defects;
(k)adapting the accommodation for the special needs of a disabled person; or
(l)provision of separate sleeping accommodation for persons of different sexes aged 10 or over but under the age of 20 who live with the claimant and for whom the claimant or the claimant’s partner is responsible.
(6) Where a loan is applied only in part for the purposes specified in sub-paragraph (2) or (4), only that portion of the loan which is applied for that purpose shall qualify.