§ 42. Mr. H. Boardmanasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government in view of the continuing need for wages restraint, what advice he has given to local authorities faced with the necessity of demanding substantial increases in council house rents.
§ Mr. GreenwoodLocal authorities are bound by statute to act fairly between tenants and ratepayers, and to balance their housing accounts; rent increases should be made only in so far as they are necessary for this purpose. In giving guidance to local authorities about rent rebate schemes I have emphasised the desirability of phasing rent increases so as to limit the amount of any necessary increase in any one year, and I am keeping the situation under review.