HC Deb 07 November 1988 vol 140 cc90-1W
Mr. Norman Hogg

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give figures showing the gross collectable council rent and gross rent arrears for England and Wales for each of the years ending 31 March 1985, 1986, 1987 and 1988.

Mr. Trippier

[holding answer 4 November 1988]: The estimates derived from the figures reported by English housing authorities on their subsidy claim forms are as follows:

1 April Rent roll £ million rent arrears
1985 3,503 199.1
1986 3,699 211.4
1987 3,827 196.0

Comparable estimates for 1988 are not yet available.

For information about Wales I refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Mr. Norman Hogg

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will give figures showing the current average council house rent in England and Wales, the amount by which this lies below estimated market rent and the percentage increase in council house rents since 1979.

Mr. Trippier

[holding answer 4 November 1988]: The estimated average unrebated weekly rent for local authority dwellings in England was £18.75 in April 1988, 193 per cent. higher than the corresponding average in April 1979. Estimates of potential market rents for local authority dwellings are not available.

For Welsh figures I refer the hon. Member to the Secretary of State for Wales.