§ Mr. Priorasked the Minister of Housing and Local Government whether he is aware that the standards and costs of building old people's grouped homes are leading to the imposition of excessive rents; and if he will take steps to increase subsidies for such houses.
§ Mr. FreesonThe subsidies now being paid for old people's housing are the most generous ever paid. They are directly related to the capital cost of providing specially designed housing to specified minimum good standards, and now meet nearly half of such costs. With the present level of Government help, local authorities should provide rebates for tenants whose means are small and my right hon. Friend the Minister has specifically recommended them to do this on the basis of an illustrative rent rebate scheme circularised in June, 1967.