§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he plans to extend the provisions of assured tenancies to cover the rehabilitation and conversion of existing properties; and if he will extend the rent allowance provisions to cover the higher rents which would be entailed.
§ Mr. GowThis is certainly one option for the future of the private rented sector, and I shall look at it carefully. It would require new legislation. From 1 April 1983 rent allowances have been incorporated in the new housing benefit scheme, which is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. Assured tenants continue to be eligible for help under the rent allowance scheme. Eligible rent is assessed on the same basis as for other housing benefit claimants and may only be restricted if the dwelling is unreasonably large or the rent is unreasonably high in comparison with similar tenancies in a local authority's area.