HC Deb 09 January 1978 vol 941 cc630-1W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will ask local authorities to disregard for rating purposes steps to improve energy conservation in private dwellings including the installation of double glazing in windows.

Mr. Guy Barnett

No. Rating assessments are the responsibility of valuation officers and are governed by statute.

Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what proportion of the costs of the insulation of council houses over the next 10 years will come from (a) central Government, (b) local Government, (c) increased rents and (d) special charges to tenants.

Mr. Armstrong

Provision for expenditure on insulation will be made in the public expenditure estimates. Local authorities will be given loan sanction for approved expenditure, which will qualify for housing subsidy from central Government. Under the present subsidy system this will be at the rate of 66 per cent. of annual loan charges. It is a matter for individual authorities' discretion whether or not to increase rents or make any special charges to tenants to cover the balance of cost.

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