§ Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what pro- 136W portion of the total financial income, including Government grants, is represented by the rental income for the years ending April 1978, 1979 and 1980, in respect of all registered housing associations in Northern Ireland ;
(2) what was the total rental income of registered housing associations in Northern Ireland for the financial years ending April 1978, 1979 and 1980.
§ Mr. Goodhart: The accounting years of registered housing associations vary and the information sought by the hon. Member is not readily available in the form requested. I shall write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many housing associations in Northern Ireland charged rents at variance with the rent levels set by the Department of the Environment during the years ending April 1978, 1979 and 1980.
§ Mr. Goodhart: Registered housing associations are expected to charge rents equal to those which would be charged by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive for similar accommodation in the same area.
In the case of associations which, prior to registration, owned properties let at rents substantially lower than Housing Executive rents, increases may be phased over a period to bring the rent up to the equivalent Housing Executive level.
All rents charged by registered housing associations are subject to annual review and approval by my Department. I am not aware of any association assessing or charging rents on any other basis.