§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from Amble Urban District Council about the absence of an appeal procedure against decisions of the rent scrutiny board ; and whether he has any proposals to deal with this problem.
§ Mr. ChannonMy right hon. and learned Friend has received a copy of the council's resolution requesting an independent appeal procedure for local authorities and tenants against determinations by rent scrutiny boards. Local authorities have the right within a period of two months to make representations to the boards if the boards report that they disagree with any of the fair rents assessed by authorities. We have advised authorities to consult their tenants during this period. The boards must have regard to these representations and may subsequently make amendments to their determination of fair rents.