§ Mr. Roperasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total amount paid for (i) rent rebates and allowances and (ii) rate rebates for the most recent period for which information is available.
§ Mr. ChannonIt is estimated that in England and Wales rent rebates amounting to £190 million will be allowed to tenants of council dwellings and rent allowances amounting to £50 million will be paid to private tenants in the financial year 1973–74.
272WIn 1972–73, the latest year for which information is available, rate rebates totalling £23.3 million were granted to domestic ratepayers in England and Wales.
§ Mr. Roperasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what information is now available on the take-up of (i) rent rebates and allowances and (ii) rate rebates.
§ Mr. ChannonIt is estimated that by May 1973 some 1¾ million council tenants in England and Wales were benefiting under the rent rebate scheme, and upwards of 350,000 under the rent allowance scheme for unfurnished private tenancies. Figures for furnished tenancies are not yet available. In the financial year 1972–73, 905,423 domestic ratepayers in England and Wales received rate rebates.
§ Mr. Roperasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is his estimate of the additional costs involved if the take-up rates of (i) rent rebates and allowances and (ii) rate rebates was increased to 100 per cent.
§ Mr. ChannonI am not able to make such an estimate.