HC Deb 28 March 1979 vol 965 cc241-2W
Mr. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many certificates for the restriction of rent have been issued by district and city councils in accordance with the relevant provision of the Rent Order 1978.

Mr. Carter

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications have been lodged with the district and city councils, to request the enforcement of repairs to bring properties up to the repair standard outlined in the Rent Order 1978.

Mr. Carter

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many rent levels registered under the Rent Order 1978 have been reduced by the Rent Assessment Committee from the date of application of that order until the end of February.

Mr. Carter

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, West (Mr. Fitt) on 27 March.—[Vol. 965, c.168.]

Mr. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many appeals have been received by the Rent Assessment Committee in accordance with the relevant provision of the Rent Order 1978 from the date of application of that order until the end of February.

Mr. Carter

I shall reply to the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total amount paid in grants for repairs in respect of applications by landlords of property controlled by the Rent Order 1978 since the application of the order until the end of February.

Mr. Carter

This information is not available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

However, some 6,500 repairs grants amounting to about £190,000 have been paid by the Housing Executive to landlords in Belfast from the date of the coming into operation of the Rent (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 until 28 February 1979. These grants were paid following the issue by Belfast city council of notices to repair property under the Public Health Acts.

Other landlords in Belfast and elsewhere in Northern Ireland will have obtained repair grants without waiting for the issue of public health notices, but separate statistics for these are not available.

Mr. Bradford

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provision exists for the repair of properties in respect of which a certificate of restriction of rent has been issued; and who is empowered to undertake the work.

Mr. Carter

Properties in respect of which a restricted rent certificate has been issued under the Rent (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 may be repaired under the provisions of the Public Health Acts. In addition, landlords may apply to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for grants towards the cost of repairs and tenants may also apply for repairs grants provided they have obtained the consent of their landlord to carry out the work.