§ Mr. Ronald Brownasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, in order to obviate hardship to tenants by large increases in rents being imposed in one instalment, he will seek powers to extend the principle of phasing rent increases beyond 31st December, 1971.
§ Mr. ChannonI assume the hon. Member is referring to rents in the Private Sector. Under the Housing Act, 1969, phasing will continue to operate in cases where it is appropriate, that is, where the landlord has received assistance from public funds for improvements or where the increase is one from a controlled to a fair rent and thus exceptionally steep. The same principles are observed in the Housing Finance Bill.