§ Mr. Kinnockasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about the continuation of rent rebate and allowance schemes after the repeal of the Housing Finance Act 1972; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonMy right hon. Friend has received a number of representations on this matter. In repealing the Housing Finance Act 1972, the Government have no intention of abolishing the mandatory rent rebate and allowance schemes. It was the Labour Government of 1930 who first empowered local authorities to grant rent rebates under the Housing Act; and a universal mandatory scheme formed312W part of our proposals in 1970 for the reform of housing finance. We shall keep the present schemes under review and improve them when and where necessary.