HC Deb 27 January 2000 vol 343 cc270-1W
Mr. Portillo

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the impact on rent levels of the Court of Appeal's decision in the case of Spath Holme Ltd. vs. Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions; and if he will make a statement on the impact of the judgment on his Department's policies. [107183]

Mr. Raynsford

The Court of Appeal's decision to quash the Rent Acts (Maximum Fair Rent) Order 1999 is likely to lead to significant increases in fair rents which would have been capped under the Order.

We are giving careful consideration to the implications of the judgment. We remain committed to protecting tenants from excessive increases in fair rents.