§ Mr. Tim Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total amount of mortgage interest relief in 1978–79; what is the amount per dwelling; what is the total amount of housing revenue subsidy; and what is the amount per dwelling.
§ Mr. ShoreI have been asked to reply.
Figures for 1978–79 are not yet available. Provisional figures for England for the last financial year are given below. Direct comparisons of assistance to the two sectors on the basis of these figures are difficult and potentially misleading for reasons detailed in paragraphs 5.39 to 45 of the Housing Green Paper—Cmnd. 6851. These include different views on the items to be included in respect of each sector in any balance sheet of housing costs and benefits.
Tax relief and option mortgage subsidy 1977–78
Total tax relief and option mortgage subsidy £1,107 million
Amount per mortgaged dwelling £205
GENERAL HOUSING SUBSIDIES TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND NEW TOWNS (EXCLUDING RENT REBATES) 1977–78 Total £ million Per dwelling£ Exchequer subsidy 926 187 Rate fund contribution 160 32 Total 1,086 219 In addition, a proportion of local authority and new town tenants received a total £323 million in 1977–78 in respect of rent rebates, including payments through supplementary benefit, from Exchequer subsidy and rate fund contributions.