HC Deb 04 November 1998 vol 318 cc566-7W
Ms Moran

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will list those housing associations which have exceeded the Housing Corporation's rent target in 1997–98, showing in each case the (a) average rent levels, (b) percentage above target, (c) overhead costs as a percentage of total costs and (d) chief executive's emoluments. [57463]

Mr. Raynsford

The Housing Corporation's requirement that year-on-year rent increases by registered social landlords (RSLs) should not exceed RPI+1% only came into effect from 1 April 1998.

The Corporation has recently published an initial analysis of data on rent increases during 1997–98, before the requirement became effective. This showed that overall RSL rent increases in 1997–98 were within the new RPI+1% limit. However, data from a total of 138 RSLs showed increases above this level which are now being investigated by the Housing Corporation.

The Corporation will be publishing final results from its analysis of 1997–98 rent data by the end of December. The tables to be published will show both rent increases and rent levels in 1997–98 by named RSLs with over 250 homes. Copies will be placed in the House of Commons Library.