§ Mrs. Doris Fisherasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government in view of the last change in the system of paying housing subsidies to local authorities, which is estimated to cost Birmingham City Council tenants £120,000 per annum, if he will receive a deputation from Birmingham to discuss this matter in an endeavour to avoid further rent increases for council tenants.
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. Friend has received no request from the council for a deputation but the council has received an explanation of the reason for the new arrangements for payment. These apply to all local authorities, have been agreed by the local authority associations as equitable and an improvement in administration, and are likely to increase this year's housing subsidy payments to the council so as to offset the extra cost to the council of later payment, which arises only this year.