Rent and Rates (Cost of Living Index)

HC Deb 07 July 1964 vol 698 cc73-4W

57. Mr. Millan

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that the index figure for rent and rates in the cost of living index increased from 711 in January 1956 to 113.8 in April 1964, an increase of 60 per cent.; and what steps he is taking to halt the increase.

Mr. Corfield

As I explained on 8th June, the index covers owner-occupiers as well as tenants and takes account of expenditure on rates, maintenance and decorations as well as rents and rent equivalents for owner-occupiers. In so far as the increase represents expenditure on achieving higher standards of housing, welfare, education and other services it is not to be deplored. Where it is caused by other factors, those that can be influenced by Government action are being tackled vigorously—as in the efforts of my right hon. Friend, and his right hon. Friend the Minister of Public Building and Works, to improve the productivity of the building industry.

Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs if he is aware that the index for rent and rates in the cost-of-living index increased from 71.1 in January, 1956, to 113.8 in April, 1964, an increase of 60 per cent.; what action he took during this period to present this increase; and what effect it has had upon rents and rates during this period.

Mr. Corfield

The increase in the index reflects increased expenditure on higher standards of housing, welfare, education and other services, and to that extent should not be deplored. It also reflects the higher earnings of building workers and others. The Government's concern has been to encourage the improvement of housing standards—believing that that is what people want and are willing to pay for; and to see that local authorities get and give value for money in all the services for which they are responsible.

Mr. A. Lewis

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government and Minister for Welsh Affairs by how much in the £ sterling rents and rates have increased since October, 1951, to date; and whether he will publish in HANSARD a table of figures giving the quarterly increases since October, 1951, to date.

Mr. Corfield

Information about rents is not available in this form. Average rate poundage in England and Wales in 1951–52 were 19s. 4d. and in 1963–64 were 9s.; but these figures are not comparable because of revaluations during the period.