§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment, in view of the fact that the rent freeze will mean that agreed increases, in return for repairs and improvements already carried out, will not now be forthcoming, if he will take steps to deal with this problem.
§ Mr. FreesonRent increases in respect of improvements are specifically exempted from the freeze by Article 4(3) of the Counter-Inflation (Private Sector Residential Rents) (England and Wales) Order 1974. So are increases reflecting increases in rates. These are the only exemptions considered justifiable.
§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, for the removal of doubt, he will make clear by regulation the position of landlords of furnished accommodation who charge a rent which is inclusive of rates but which is not specifically appropriated in the lease as to part rent and part rates with regard to increasing that inclusive rent to compensate for any increase in rates.
§ Mr. FreesonThis is not necessary. Article 4(3) of the Counter-Inflation (Private Sector Residential Rents) (England and Wales) Order 1974 provides that the prohibition of increases in rent does not apply to increases reflecting increases in rates.