§ 18. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what action he is taking to publicise the rate rebate scheme to ensure that those householders entitled to relief are made aware of the scheme.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonIt is primarily for rating authorities to secure the appropriate publicity, but the Department has helped them by printing five million leaflets and posters so far this yar, and by placing advertisements in the national Press. There have also been radio and Press reports and appearances on television. Parallel activity by voluntary organisations has been encouraged. Further campaigns will be mounted as and when appropriate.
§ Mrs. ShortI am much obliged to my hon. Friend for that Answer. Is he aware that since the income levels and children's allowances were changed many more families have come within the ambit of this relief? In spite of the publicity which my hon. Friend's Department has carried out, there is still a difference in the take-up between authority and authority, which is a matter for concern. Will my hon. Friend continue to press for the continuation of publicity so that people know about this?
§ Mr. SkeffingtonI assure my hon. Friend that the Department, with local authorities, will take every step open to it before the new rebate period starts.
§ Mr. RipponThe hon. Gentleman referred to advertisements in the national Press. Are advertisements being put in the local Press as well?
§ Mr. SkeffingtonThere have been some in the local papers, and local authorities have taken on additional publicity as well.