HC Deb 25 October 1973 vol 861 cc639-41W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will permit local housing authorities to defer further rent increases under the Housing Finance Act where, in cases such as that of Mr. J. Carey, of 11 Yattendon Avenue, Manchester 23, the housing authority thinks that the tenant is already paying too much rent; what representations he has received about these cases; what replies he has made; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

My right hon. and learned Friend has given a direction under Section 62(4) of the Housing Finance Act 1972 reducing the average October rent increase in every case where the statutory conditions were met. Where, as in Manchester, the authority can apportion the increase so that no rent is likely to exceed the probable fair rent, the giving of a direction would be beyond his statutory power. I have explained the situation to local authorities and others, and I have also drawn attention to the increase from 1st October in the needs allowance which means that the less-well-off tenants will not be paying more and that many will be paying less rent.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects the rent scrutiny board to confirm or reject Manchester Corporation's 93,000 provisional rent assessments; how the time taken by the board will compare with that allowed for the local authority to make its provisional assessments; what action he is taking to expedite the board's report on Manchester properties; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Channon

I understand that the rent scrutiny board does not expect to be able to issue its report on Manchester Corporation's provisional assessment of fair rents before March of next year. The corporation is not due to increase rents again until October 1974. Once the Housing Finance Act 1972 became law, local authorities had six months in which to make their provisional assessments of fair rents, although there was nothing to prevent them starting work on this task beforehand. I understand that the board's report is likely to be published about nine months after the corporation submitted its provisional assessment of fair rents. Rent scrutiny boards are completely independent bodies with whose actions and decisions I cannot interfere.

Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment by how much the average rent levels have been increased in England and Wales since October 1970 in local authority housing.

Mr. Channon

The average unrebated weekly rent for local authority dwellings in England and Wales is not available for October 1970. However, the increase from March 1970 to date—including any rent increase this month—is about £1.35 a week.

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