HC Deb 05 July 1972 vol 840 cc539-40
16. Sir Gilbert Longden

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will seek powers to enable the rents of small properties to be fixed with a view to enabling their owners to keep their property in repair and at the same time receive what is assessed to be a reasonable income there from.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Reginald Eyre)

This is being done; fair rents are being extended to rent-controlled dwellings in a phased programme under the Housing Finance Bill.

Sir Gilbert Longden

I thank my hon. Friend for that answer, of which I was fully aware. Will he say how long it will be before owners of these small properties will be able to charge such rents as will enable them to let their properties and to keep them in repair and enjoy a decent income?

Mr. Eyre

All the circumstances are taken into account in assessing the fair rent, as my hon. Friend knows, including responsibility for repairs. The period of phasing reasonably takes into account the changing circumstances.

Mr. Hardy

The Minister has just made it clear that the rents of private houses as well as council houses will increase very markedly as a result of the Housing Finance Bill. Will he therefore comment on the report that his right hon. Friend the Minister for Housing and Construction, at a conference this morning, described the Housing Finance Bill as a weapon against inflation? Will the Minister say how much more ridiculous the Government can become?

Mr. Eyre

The hon. Gentleman must remember that under the provisions of the Housing Finance Bill very generous help is to be given to people in need and to the lower income groups. This is distinctly disinflationary in its effect.

Mr. Ashley

Is the Under-Secretary aware that, if this proposal were to be accepted, some landlords would exploit the situation and carry out minimum repairs and take the increased rents for their own profits? Will he bear in mind in future that landlords' action should be very carefully scrutinised if there is to be any change in rent control on a policy basis for improvements and repairs?

Mr. Eyre

The hon. Gentleman should remember that the protection of the tenant is in no way diminished under the Housing Finance Bill and that local authorities have statutory powers to require a landlord to do works where a dwelling is in need of repair.