asked the Minister for Local Government why he will not arrange to dispense with ground rents in respect of all new local authority housing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Abolition of Ground Rents.
68.
Under regulations made recently local authorities are required to dispose of new houses subject to an annual leasehold rent not exceeding the nominal sum of 5p per annum. This sum is payable only if demanded by the local authority and I understand that the payment is, in fact, rarely demanded. The sum is charged by local authorities solely to retain a lessor's interest and to ensure that any future development of the property is in the best interests of the community.