asked the Minister for Local Government when he proposes to announce changes in the graded rents scheme in order to meet the wishes of the numerous tenants throughout the country who are members of NATO; and if he will deal with this matter as one of special urgency in view of the great hardship imposed on tenants at the present time.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Graded Rents Scheme.
65.
I have informed a deputation which I saw on this subject last Friday that proposals for changes in housing rents are for individual local authorities who own the houses and who must take into account the circumstances in their area, including the number of families who need housing and the size of the subsidies already being paid to keep rents low.
I have also said that I noted the members of the deputation argued that existing schemes are causing hardship. I doubt if any hardship endured by a person with housing of reasonable standard is comparable to that of families without it, who must be the first concern of any acceptable social policy in housing. However, I am having proposals in a memorandum submitted by the deputation studied in consultation with the local authorities principally concerned and with particular reference to the cost to these authorities of the proposals.