HC Deb 05 February 1990 vol 166 c500W
Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has made an estimate of the increase in central Government subsidy to housing benefit caused by private landlords who have failed to reduce their rents following the replacement of rates by the poll tax.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

There has been no such increase.

Mrs. Fyfe

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will cause a study to be carried out on the number and proportion of private landlords who have not reduced rents following the abolition of rates; and if he will make a statement.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

Effective remedies are available to regulated tenants and assured tenants who believe their landlords are continuing to include an element for domestic rates in their rental charge. A study on the lines suggested would serve no useful purpose.