§ Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs, in view of the increasing distress caused to elderly people who, as a result of the Rent Act, are required to leave this year their present homes or to give them up because they cannot afford the high rents demanded for some decontrolled houses, what has been the response of local authorities to his request that they should provide more accommodation suitable for old people.
97W
§ Mr. H. BrookeNew housing for old-people is mostly in one-bedroom dwellings. The proportion of these completed by local authorities in 1957 had already risen to 14 per cent. of their whole programme compared with 10 per cent. in 1956. In tenders approved during the three months following the issue of Circular 55 this proportion further increased to 23 per cent. of the whole programme. Local authorities are also acting on the other suggestions in the Circular, including the conversion of existing houses for old people.