Housing Cost Yardstick

HC Deb 14 June 1977 vol 933 cc109-10W

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what arrangements there are for automatic revision of housing cost yardsticks in line with increases in building costs;

(2)how often the additional yardstick allowances for wheelchair and mobility housing have been revised since the issue of Circular 92/75;

(3)on what date the additional yardstick allowances for wheelchair and mobility housing were last revised;

(4)what are the current additional yardstick allowances for mobility and wheelchair housing.

Mr. Armstrong

The housing cost yardstick has been reviewed quarterly since June 1975 and the increase since that date is 8 per cent. Such reviews are based primarily on the movements of tender prices, which themselves reflect movements in such factors as labour costs, material costs and the competitive state of the market, as well as future trends. The result of the next review is due to be announced on 23rd June.

In addition, there are special yardstick allowances for wheelchair and mobility housing. These are set out in Circular 92/75 and are under continuous review.