§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied that the national average council house rent increase of 60p proposed in the White Paper on Public Expenditure is being maintained; and what means he is using to ensure its maintenance.
§ Mr. FreesonI am satisfied that the recommended guideline average figure of 60p is being closely observed by those authorities in England—194 out of a total of 367—of whose decisions on rent increases I have so far been informed. Their average increase is just over 59p. Authorities which make their rent increase later in the year will, other things being equal, need to make higher increases to maintain this average over the year as a whole. Special subsidies are available to help and encourage authorities to observe the guideline.