§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will increase the maximum rebate which can be made under the national rent rebate scheme.
§ Mr. FreesonMy right hon. Friend sees no need for such a general increase at present, but he will continue to use his powers to authorise individual higher maxima to those local authorities who satisfy him that their rent levels are exceptionally high, either generally or for a class of dwelling.
§ Mrs. Wiseasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he next intends to review the national rent rebate scheme; how the review will be carried out; and how much information about it will be published.
§ Mr. FreesonThe rent rebate and allowance schemes are kept under continuous review by my right hon. Friend's Advisory Committee on Rent Rebates and Rent Allowances. In addition, the schemes are currently being examined as part of the Housing Policy Review and also on a wider interdepartmental basis. Relevant information will be published as appropriate, according to the type of review and its results.