§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many flats and houses have become decontrolled and had their rent increased since the passing of the 1968 Housing Act; and whether such houses will be affected by the new Housing Finance Bill.
§ Mr. ChannonIn England and Wales up to 30th September, 1971, 29,000 previously controlled dwellings had had fair rents registered under the procedures of the Housing Act, 1969. This includes 25,000 "already improved" dwellings, and nearly 4,000 dwellings improved under the Act's procedures. Such dwellings are affected by the Housing Finance Bill in two main ways: the tenants may become eligible for rent allowances, and the phasing period for the rent increase consequent upon registration may be shortened. The Bill also provides, in cases where the landlord has not yet undertaken improvement works needed to bring the tenancy out of control, for a simplified and speedier procedure than that laid down by the Housing Act, 1969.