§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government what was the estimated rate support grant paid to the county borough of St. Helens for each year 1960 to 1964, and the last four years for which figures are available; and what was the effect of withdrawing subsidies on rents charged, disregarding rent rebate schemes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Denis HowellThe latest estimate of the rate support grants to the county286W borough of St. Helens for the four years from 1967-68 and the amounts of the corresponding grants for the four years from 1960-61 were as follows:
Rate Support Grants Corresponding Grants £ £ 1960–61 … … — 1,882,249 1961–62 … … — 2,025,130 1962–63 … … — 2,174,820 1963–64 … … — 2,168,657 1967–68 … … 2,990,040 — 1968–69 … … 3,135,340 — 1969–70 … … 3,616,580 — 1970–71 … … 3,897,911 — In reply to the second part of the Question, in the light of information provided by the council, I estimate that the cost to St. Helens Council if housing subsidies for existing dwellings were withdrawn would, in 1969–70, have been equivalent to an average increase in council house rents of about 10s. a week in a 52 week rent year.