§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will investigate the extent of the problem caused by the fact that the Rents and Subsidies Act 1975 in its operation may cause many tenants not to report defects unless they are very serious, and that this may cause a further deterioration of controlled property; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonI have no evidence of any such problem. Most tenants want their homes kept in repair; and rent allowances are, of course, available for those for whom rent increases may cause difficulties. Far from accelerating the deterioration of controlled property these provisions will aid its preservation.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider proposing amending the Rents and Subsidies Act 1975 in such a way that tenants who have paid an increase for repairs under the 1957 Act will not have to pay the new 12½ per cent. increase until the total amount they are already paying for repairs is spent on these repairs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreesonNo such increase was possible under the 1957 Rent Act. The provisions in the Housing Rents and Subsidies Act which—subject to strict safeguards for tenants—enable the landlord of controlled property to increase the rent for repairs actually carried out are the first to entitle such landlords to a return on repair costs.