HC Deb 23 October 1967 vol 751 cc1323-4
12. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Minister of Social Security if she will ask tenants paying grossly unfair rents, which in turn are being paid by her Department, to seek the advice of their rent officers.

Mr. Pentland

It is the practice for claimants for supplementary benefits whose rents are considered unreasonable to be advised to approach the rent officer.

Mr. Allaun

Is it true that in some cases the Ministry refuses to pay the full rent of the tenant?

Mr. Pentland

Yes Sir, but only where it is unreasonable, because under the provisions of the Ministry of Social Security Act, the Commission is required to meet only rents which are "reasonable in the circumstances". When statistics were last obtained 1.1 per cent. of rents paid by claimants were not being met in full.

Mr. Lubbock

Would not the hon. Gentleman agree that there may be a very big difference between what is considered unreasonable by his Department and a fair rent as determined by the Rent Act, 1965? Would he not, therefore, give instructions that in any case where his officers consider the rent is not fair under the terms of the Act reference should be made to the rent officer?

Mr. Pentland

Yes, that is always done. This point is always considered. If any hon. Member has any evidence that there is unreasonable application of these pro- visions in any case and sends it to the Department, we shall be glad to look into it.

Dame Irene Ward

Would it not be easier if the Ministry could find ways of dealing with this problem rather than asking the recipient of the rent to go to the rent tribunal and subsequently finding that the tenant gets notice to quit? Is it not a fact that this happens and that I have sent evidence to him?

Mr. Pentland

I have no such evidence—

Dame Irene Ward

I have sent it.

Mr. Pentland

I give the same reply to the hon. Lady as I gave to the hon. Member for Orpington (Mr. Lubbock). If hon. Members have any particular cases which they are not satisfied are being dealt with in accordance with the Act, they should send particulars to the Department and we shall look into them.

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