§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the housing investment programmes submitted to his Department indicated how many local authorities and housing associations fix rent levels by reference to the area of usable space in each type of dwelling; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George Young[holding answer 8 March 1994]Local authorities.' housing strategy statements and housing investment programme bids are primarily concerned with the use of capital resources, and most contain relatively little information about the detail of council rent-setting policies.
Local authorities are required to set their rents at reasonable levels, and with regard to the pattern of rents for different properties in the private sector.
Housing associations set assured rents in the light of their own individual circumstances. Associations which are registered with the Housing Corporation are expected under the tenants guarantee to set and maintain rents at levels within the reach of those in low paid employment. In the case of housing association secure tenants, fair rents are set by rent officers who are statutorily independent of Government.