HC Deb 08 November 1971 vol 825 cc635-6
37. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the total increase in council house rents in Wales when the fair rents policy is applied; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Gibson-Watt:

Increases in council house rents will vary depending upon the relationship between current rents and fair rents. No reliable estimate of the total increase can be made at present.

Mr. Thomas:

But is it not a fact that as from next April council house tenants throughout Wales, as a result of the Government's policy, can expect a very substantial increase in their rents?

Mr. Gibson-Watt:

The short answer to that is "No" because of rebates and allowances, as I explained to the House earlier this afternoon. There are 260,000 local authority houses in Wales, but not all will attract the full increase because of the nearness of current rents to fair rents.

Mr. Coleman:

Does not the Minister agree that many council house tenants in Wales will have to face considerable increases in their rents?

Mr. Gibson-Watt:

As I said earlier, some council tenants will have increases, while some will have reductions.