Vol. 372 No. 10
asked the Minister for the Environment if the Government, since taking office, have undertaken any review of local authority rents; and if he will make a statement indicating when such a review commenced, the matters being reviewed and when the review will be completed and the results therof announced.
133.
asked the Minister for the Environment if he will make a statement on Government policy regarding the taking into account or otherwise of shift allowances, lump sum compensation payments, disabled persons' maintenance allowances and infectious disease maintenance allowances; and the steps if any the Government have taken to ensure that these matters are not taken into account in calculating rents, if such be Government policy.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 131 and 133 together.
In the context of the commitment in the Governments election manifesto a review of the existing rent scheme for local authorities dwellings is being undertaken in the Department. This review has as its objective the formulation of an equitable differential rent scheme giving a rental income which makes an adequate contribution in respect of the cost of managing and maintaining the housing stock. All aspect of the existing scheme are being looked at, including the categories of income which should be assessed for rent. I am not yet in a position to say when this review, which will involve discussions with tenant representatives and local authorities will be completed.
