HC Deb 26 October 1967 vol 751 cc546-7W
Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what advice has been issued to local authorities regarding rent policies.

Mr. MacColl

The White Paper on Prices and Incomes Policy after 30th June, 1967 (Cmnd. 3235), stated that "It is not possible to apply directly the criteria for increases in prices or incomes to rents, but the principle of moderation should apply here also". It also stated, with regard to local authority rents, that "The Government recognise that many local authorities will need to review the level of their rents and some increases are likely to prove unavoidable. It is of great importance that where rent increases do prove unavoidable, local authorities should make the fullest use of rent rebates to protect tenants of modest means". My right hon. Friend issued further advice to local authorities on rent rebate schemes in Circular No. 46/67 and I am sending my hon. Friend a copy.