Mr. Ted Fletcherasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether the rent increases for council house tenants in Darlington have received his consideration; and what action he proposes to take.
§ Mr. MacCollAfter reviewing at my right hon. Friend's request, the rent increases made on 1st April, 1968, the council represented to him that these increases should be allowed to stand because of the state of the housing revenue account. He accepted these representations and informed the council that he did not propose to use his powers under the Prices and Incomes Act, 1968, to secure a reduction in the rent increases. He took into account the fact that the increases were accompanied by the introduction of a good rent rebate scheme.