HC Deb 10 March 1971 vol 813 cc407-8
40. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment to what extent he estimates his recent directive on council rent rebates will enable the London Borough of Brent to increase the number of 1,498 tenants out of the total of 13,170 at present receiving a rent rebate.

Mr. Channon

My right hon. Friend has issued no directive on rent rebates.

Mr. Pavitt

Does the hon. Gentleman recall that in a recent answer to me he said it would be possible for the Chalk Hill Estate to have more subsidies? As there are thousands of pounds in arrear, and as this is becoming a national, and not only a local, scandal, will he use his influence with the Brent Borough Council to achieve some amelioration of the present difficulties?

Mr. Channon

What I can tell the hon. Gentleman on the question of rent rebates which I think will please him is that I understand that the Brent Council is proposing to introduce the Department's illustrative rent rebate scheme as from April, 1971.

Mr. Crosland

Is not the very low figure of take-up of rent rebates a horri- fying glimpse of the problems which we shall face when fair rents are introduced into the council house sector?

Mr. Chanson

No. The rent rebate scheme will have to be put in all the rent books. This is the original rent rebate scheme, not the Department's illustrative scheme which the Brent Council is to introduce.