asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the same differential rent is charged to two tenants who are regarded as having similar incomes even though one tenant may have accommodation greatly superior to the other; and if he will take steps to ensure that differential rents relate not only to earnings but to the quality of accommodation provided.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Differential Rents.
56.
I am aware that a situation as indicated in the question could arise, especially in cases where the tenants are paying rents at, or approaching, the minimum of a differential rents scheme. In framing differential rent schemes local authorities are required to take account not only of the financial circumstances of each household but also of the standard of accommodation and the amenity of the dwelling occupied, so that, normally, a good modern house should have a higher maximum rent than an old house.