§ 60. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he is aware that the policy of the National Assistance Board with regard to the payment of a maximum of 15s. towards the rent of needy persons will compel local authorities to make up the balance by way of a rebate; that this is relieving the taxpayers at the expense of the rate payers; and if he will now instruct the Board to reverse this decision.
§ Mr. PeakeI assume the hon. Member is referring to arrangements regarding certain Corporation houses at Bristol under which, I gather from the National Assistance Board, tenants in receipt of Assistance pay as much by way of rent as, and in some cases more than, other tenants with comparable incomes not derived from Assistance. These arrangements seem to be sensible; but in any case I have no power to issue directions to the Board about them.
§ 61. Mr. Awberyasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance the reasons for the change in the policy of the National Assistance Board by which they will discontinue the payment of full rent for needy tenants and will now only pay up to 15s. weekly.
§ Mr. PeakeThere has been no change in the policy of the Board who, in the great majority of cases, are still meeting the full rent, often amounting to more than the figure mentioned.
§ 62. Mr. Gowerasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will take steps to permit a larger maxi mum contribution towards the rent of needy persons to be paid by the National Assistance Board in proper cases; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PeakeThere is no fixed limit such as my hon. Friend implies. Rent will always be allowed in full in appropriate cases.