§ Mr. RendelTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what controls exist at present on the rents charged by housing associations; and what plans his Department has to increase these controls in the future.
§ Sir George YoungThe rents of secure housing association tenants—those whose tenancy began before 15 January 1989—are controlled by the rent officer. The rents of assured tenants—those whose tenancy began after 15 January 1989—are set at the discretion of the housing association. For housing provided with public subsidy, all 557W registered housing associations are required by the terms of the tenants guarantee to set and maintain assured rents which are within the reach of people in low-paid employment. The corporation monitors rent levels and the financial efficiency of housing associations, and can take action where excessive costs might lead to high rent levels. My Department has no plans at present to increase these controls.