HC Deb 23 July 1986 vol 102 c268W
49. Mr. Gregory

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he is satisfied with the progress being made by local authorities in reducing the level of their rent arrears.

Sir George Young

My right hon. Friend is not satisfied. A minority of authorities have levels of arrears persistently far above those achieved by apparently comparable authorities. These arrears could be substantially reduced if such authorities adopted more effective policies and practice as recommended in the recent Audit Commission report on housing management.