§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will take steps designed to encourage local government authorities further to increase public awareness of entitlement to rent rebates.
§ Mr. FreesonA campaign is being planned for the autumn with the cooperation of local authorities to publicise the assistance that is available towards rent and rates. In the rent field the main emphasis of the campaign will be on rent allowances as their take-up is markedly lower than for rent rebates, but the campaign will also help to increase awareness of the entitlement to rent rebates. My right hon. Friend is also undertaking research into the best methods of improving the take-up of rent allowances by private tenants. The results of this research should be available later this year and will be made available to authorities.