§ Mr. Roperasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what are his most recent estimates of the rate of take-up of rent rebates and rent allowances among those eligible, apart from those in receipt of supplementary benefit or supplementary pensions.
§ Mr. EyreAs I stated in a reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 18th October 1973—[Vol. 861, c.293–4.]—it was estimated that by May 1973, 70 per cent. to 80 per cent. of eligible unfurnished tenants not in receipt of supplementary benefit had successfully claimed rebates and that 10 per cent. to 15 per cent. had successfully claimed allowances. These remain the latest estimates, but further surveys are in hand and results are expected shortly.
§ Mr. Roperasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will issue a circular to local authorities asking them to ensure that the new rate rebate scheme and the existing rent rebate and allowances scheme are integrated so that a single application form will cover both schemes.
§ Mr. Graham PageResponsibility for the administration of the schemes of rent rebates and allowances and of rate rebates rests with local authorities. For this reason the use of a common application form is a matter for those authorities to determine. However, my Department proposes in a circular to be issued about the new rate rebate scheme to draw the attention of authorities to the advantages of using a dual-purpose application form.