HC Deb 05 June 2000 vol 351 c58W
Mr. Norman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what was the average increase in fair rents upon re-registration since 1995 in(a) the Lambeth Rent Office area and (b) London; [123541]

(2) what was the average increase in fair rents since 1992 in (a) the Lambeth Rent Office area and (b) London [123542]

Mr. Raynsford

[holding answer 24 May 2000]: Between 1995 and 2000 the average increase in rents upon re-registration was an estimated 16 per cent, in Lambeth Rent Office Area and 18 per cent, in London. These increases relate to the periods of 27 months on average.

Information on fair rents is collected only when re-registration takes place and comprehensive information on increases in fair rents is therefore not available.

Mr. Norman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what was the average scarcity discount used by the London Rent Assessment Committee in calculating fair rents using market rent comparables since 1998 for(a) re-registered rent appeals in London and (b) re-registered rent appeals from the Lambeth Rent Office area. [123540]

Mr. Raynsford

[holding answer 24 May 2000]: Rent Assessment Committees are required to show for each case they determine the arithmetical calculations used in reaching that determination, including any deduction from the market rent attributable to scarcity of accommodation in the market. However, we do not collect information centrally that would enable the question to be answered. The cost of providing the information requested would be disproportionate.