THE decision to scrap grants for people forced to move under the Elevate housing renewal scheme will top the agenda when a Government minister visits Burnley tomorrow.

Housing minister Ian Wright will be in the town as a guest speaker at a political meeting held by Burnley Labour Party.

The minister attending at the invitation of Burnley MP, Kitty Ussher, to hear first hand how the programme is working.

Mrs Ussher said: "He particularly wants to hear about why the council and Elevate are persisting in trying to scrap the £30,000 compensation paid to people forced out of their houses and replace it with a loan.

"The decision of the council to scrap the grants has led to great concern in some of our poorest communities and we welcome the opportunity to explain the problem to the minister responsible.

"I will be driving him round some of the affected areas to ensure Burnley's voice is heard as loudly as possible in the corridors of national government." Last month Burnley Council approved plans to back Purchase Assistance Loans (PALS) in place of grants.

The loans are being introduced after Elevate, the government housing renewal programme, told Burnley Council - and other East Lancashire councils - that it would no longer provide the current £30,000 relocation grant but will fund £30,000 Purchase Assistance Loans (PAL).

Burnley Council leader, Gordon Birtwistle said: "Saying no to PAL would have been turning our back on vulnerable people who need our support most, as no Elevate funding means no relocation assistance whatsoever."