asked the Minister for Local Government whether, in framing the circular letter of 9th March, 1951, in relation to the purchase of cottages under the Labourers Act, 1936, he took cognisance of the fact that the rents of some cottages had been increased, in some cases very substantially, prior to the date of the circular and that, consequently, in all such cases no benefit whatever will accrue from the reduction in the amount of terminable annuity for tenants now seeking vesting orders as against that which would have resulted had no such increase in rent been imposed, and if he will state whether such a resultant situation accords with his intentions; and, if not, whether he will take steps to have the situation adjusted.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Purchase of Cottages.
I am aware that some housing authorities have, in recent years, revised upwards the rents of pre-1939 cottages to figures which they regarded as more in keeping with present-day requirements. This was generally done only where cottages became vacant and new tenants were being appointed. In these cases, as in all others, the new conditions of purchase advocated by me, for the purpose of determining the terminable annuity, will result in a reduction by 50 per cent. of the basic rent paid by the tenant since the date of creation of his tenancy. The same proportionate benefit from the new conditions will, therefore, accrue to these tenants as to all others.
Is the Minister aware that in my county it does not apply to the new tenants and that in 75 per cent. of the cases it applies to the old tenants? Is it not true that the county council have asked the Department for a special ruling? If what the Minister has said were the case, the whole intention would be defeated. Surely that matter should be considered.
The applications for revision of rent are in respect of new lettings when the tenancies come to be considered, but not in general for any particular scheme. Revisions have been approved in Waterford and other counties in individual cases. If the scheme is adopted, it will mean a reduction of 50 per cent. of the basic rent paid by the tenant as from the date of the new tenancy. Where increases have been permitted, those increases occurred because it was desired to bring all the tenancies into conformity. Increases generally run in the region of 6d. and 10d. and 1/-, the biggest increase in any of the houses owned by the county council in Waterford, bringing the rents up to 2/6, 3/- and 4/- in some cases. But they will get a 50 per cent. reduction.
Is it not true that cases have been brought to the notice of the Minister where the annuity will be increased by 100 per cent. instead of being reduced by 50 per cent.? Surely that is not the intention. Will the Minister meet me and discuss the matter with me?
Certainly.