Mr. David Watkins asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what is the actual or estimated total cost of rent rebates in England and Wales in the financial years 1970–71 and 1971–72;
(2) what is the estimated cost of rent rebates for the financial year 1972–73.
§ Mr. EyreThe total of rent rebates granted in 1970–71 was about £19 million. No figures are yet available for 1971–72.
In 1972–73 the total amount of rent rebates granted by housing authorities under the Housing Finance Bill is estimated to be between £140 million and £170 million. This estimate includes rebates to tenants in receipt of supplementary benefit who do not usually receive them under existing arrangements.