HC Deb 11 July 1973 vol 859 cc1521-2
23. Mr. Frank Allaun

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in the light of evidence submitted by the hon. Member for Salford, East, he will introduce legislation stopping the decontrol of all rented dwellings which lack a bath, hot water and inside lavatory and limit rent increases for all other dwellings in the private sector to 3 per cent. a year.

Mr. Channon

No, Sir.

Mr. Allaun

First, does the hon. Gentleman admit that so-called fair rents for private tenants have, on average, trebled the previous controlled rent? Secondly, did not my evidence include the case of an elderly couple living in a house without even an inside water supply—the water had to be supplied by a hand pump outside—who had their rent increased 3⅓ times? Will he consider the Labour Party's proposals mentioned in the document?

Mr. Channon

In the case the hon. Gentleman sent me, which of course I have studied, he overlooks the effect of the rent allowance. In the case of a retired couple living on the old-age pension and at present paying £1.49 per week in a controlled rent, if the new rent rises to £5.08 the effect after receipt of the new rent allowance would be that the couple's rent would actually reduce from £1.49 to 19p per week.

Mr. James Lamond

Is not the hon. Gentleman aware how important it could be to limit rent increases in all sectors of housing? Will he study the very first report that has been received from a rent scrutiny board, which has examined rents in my constituency and has instructed the local council to increase rents of council houses by as much as 250 per cent.? Is not this a matter about which the Government could take positive action in an effort to help if they wish to persuade wage earners not to seek high wage increases? If the Government were to impose a freeze on council rents for the next three years it might help their policy.

Mr. Channon

The Question tabled by the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun) relates entirely to rents in the private sector. I am aware of the point that the hon. Member has just raised with me, because he sought to raise it in another way. That is a matter not for me but, by law, for the rent scrutiny board. I understand that in the case the hon. Gentleman has in mind the board has made a report to the council disagreeing with its provisional assessment. The council has some time in which to make representations.

Mr. George Cunningham

Does the hon. Gentleman acknowledge that over the last few years one of the great disappointments in housing has been the failure of landlords to take advantage of generous improvement grants to install bathrooms, inside lavatories, and so on? Would it not be a marvellous encouragement to landlords if they were not able to take advantage of decontrol until they had installed the basic amenities with the help of the generous financial assistance that is available?

Mr. Channon

I am convinced that the generous financial assistance which is available is one of the best spurs to the improvement of property. Properties that are in a had state will have very low rent assessments.