§ 29. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how he intends that council rents should be raised, whether by compelling local authorities by law to increase rents or by reduction of Government subsidy in real terms; when, and by what amount, the higher rents will be imposed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CroslandI have no intention of compelling local authorities by law to increase rents, nor of reducing the subsidies payable under this year's Housing Rents and Subsidies Act. But my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer is seeking savings next year by reducing the rate fund contribution to housing revenue accounts. This will be considered with the local authority associations in the context of the discussions on rate support grant.