§ 54. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the London Borough of Newham is expected to increase rates by 1s. in the £ sterling and that rents of council properties are ex- 244W pected to rise by 7s. 6d. per week; and, as this will be contrary to the Government's policy of severe restraint, what action he proposes to take to assist this council in overcoming its economic difficulties without having to impose an additional burden on ratepayers.
§ Mr. MellishThe new grant arrangements under the Local Government Act, 1966, will reduce any rate increase by 5d. so far as domestic ratepayers are concerned; and domestic ratepayers who qualify, including local authority tenants, can also benefit from the rate rebate scheme which is financed as to three-quarters by the Exchequer.
I understand that the rents of a small proportion of the council houses will he increased as the third stage of a scheme adopted in 1965. The increase will vary as the council have a rent rebate scheme.