§ Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government, how many local authorities have levied half-rates on empty houses and how many houses have been involved; whether he is satisfied that existing measures are preventing houses from being kept vacant and from their rapid deterioration; and what steps he will now take to deal with the problem.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonFifty-nine authorities adopted the provisions for the rating of unoccupied property in time to have effect in the present financial year. I cannot say upon how many empty houses rates have so far become payable. A further 21 authorities have notified their intention to begin rating unoccupied property next April.
As to the condition of houses, there are admitted defects at present in the legislation relating to our older housing stock, and that is why my right hon. Friend is reviewing the matter now. But authorities already have powers to remedy serious defects in the condition of houses and they may purchase houses for improvement.