HC Deb 22 November 1938 vol 341 cc1547-8W
Sir J. Smedley Crooke

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that in Birmingham, Sheffield, and other large cities large surpluses are accumulating from rents of the housing schemes; and will he, therefore, consider the advisability of suggesting that these surpluses be used as a nucleus for providing funds for building small bungalows or cottages for the aged at 5s. per week rent, in view of his own forecast that the older population will increase in number while the younger generation will decrease?

Mr. Bernays

Under the Housing Act, 1936, the extent to which any balances in the Housing Revenue Accounts can be regarded as surplus to requirements falls to be determined in 1940. A local authority requiring houses for aged persons may provide them under their normal housing powers. In fixing the rents of the houses they are required to have due regard to the rents ordinarily payable by the working classes in the locality, but they can apply the resources of the Housing Revenue Account for granting rebates to tenants.