asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if, with reference to paragraph 5.22 of the recent Government Green Paper, it is intended to increase local authority rents; if so, when such increases will be sanctioned or implemented; and the percentage increase that is anticipated.
Ceisteanna—Questions . Oral Answers . - Local Authority Rents .
13.
: A revised rent scheme for local authority dwelings was introduced with effect from the beginning of February, 1978. The terms of the scheme were agreed following discussions with local authority offi-cials and representatives of the National Association of Tenants' Organisations and provided for the annual review of the scheme. At present, there are no specific proposals to alter the rent scheme. Any changes in the scheme arising out of the next review will not apply until next year.
: Does the Minister accept that at paragraph 5.22 of the Green Paper the statement is that increased rental income is needed by local authorities? Is that not a judgment in advance of whatever options the Green Paper is supposed to put forward for consideration?
: That is a question loaded with argument. It is not in order.
: It is nice to see that the Minister has climbed down.
: May we expect increased local authority charges in the near future? Is it not a fact that the Green Paper narrows the income needed by local authorities to increased rental income? Would it not be fair to say that if the Minister's mind were open on this matter he would say that increased income is needed by local authorities? If he says that increased rental income is needed, is it not logical to say that rents will go up?
: The possibilities in this area are also being examined, and I have already said there are no specific proposals to alter the rents scheme at this time.
: Would the Minister not consider that it is rather a contradiction to abolish the claw-back on the one hand and, on the other hand, to increase local authority rents? It would appear that the reply to this question was drafted in the Department of the Environment and that this particular section of the Green Paper has already been deleted and excised. The reply is a complete climb down.
: I am not so aware.
: Does the Minister not consider that it is anomalous and inequitable to be suggesting increases in local authority rents when at the same time his Government are abolishing rates on mansions and castles?
: This is entering into the realm of debate which would be much more appropriate to the discussion on the Green Paper.
: It depends on the attitude of the Minister towards the rich. This is a "screw the poor" document.
: Pause now while with tears in our eyes we contemplate the plight of the widow left in what the Deputy might describe as a mansion but which might be a very modest house which nonetheless has a very onerous rates bill. Contemplate, on the other hand, somebody in a local authority dwelling who, for whatever reasons, historically has a very low rent which may be expressed in pence rather than pounds and there could yet be a current income——
: That is theory. We are talking about practice.
: I can play the same game as the Deputy any day of the week.
: It is nice to see that the Minister has changed his attitude.
: No, I have not changed my attitude.
(Interruptions.)