§ Sir George Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the system of rent rebates as it affects tenants in receipt of social security benefits.
§ Mr. FreesonThis is among the aspects which are now under review.
§ Sir George Youngasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the current operation of the system by which local authorities advise their tenants of the latter's rights to rent and rate rebates.
§ Mr. FreesonYes. Local authorities have a general statutory duty to take steps to bring the rent rebate scheme to the notice of their tenants and must notify them of the particulars of their scheme when it is varied, when a new tenancy commences, when notice of a rent increase is given and, in any case, at least once a year. The rate rebate scheme is referred to on every rate demand. I have no reason to believe that these requirements are not being carried out satisfactorily.