§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the rent increases announced by Irvine development corporation.
§ 1Mr. Stewart[holding answer 27 January 1994]: The house rent increases announced by Irvine development corporation, which will come into effect on 28 March, provide for a rise in management and maintenance costs above the rate of inflation and are expected to be broadly in line with the average set by other private sector landlords.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what rent increases have been announced by Irvine, Cumbernauld, Livingston, East Kilbride and Glenrothes development corporations; and what guidelines the Scottish Office issued to the development corporations prior to a decision being taken on the level of rent increase.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 27 January 1994]: Irvine, Livingston and East Kilbride development corporations have each announced a 5 per cent. increase in house rents from the beginning of 1994–95. Glenrothes and Cumbernauld have yet to announce the level of rent increase which will apply. These increases are in line with my right hon. Friend's advice to corporations that present house rents should, on average, be increased by between 5 per cent. and 7 per cent. from the beginning of the new financial year.