State House Rents

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29010, 26 September 1959, Page 3

State House Rents

Sir,—lt would appear that Mr Barnsley has spent most of his life living in rented houses, and would, therefore, have no conception of the amounts paid, or the regular increases in rates, by the thrifty people who own their own homes. Why should only* ratepayers be expected to meet increases in transport, hospital, drainage, sewerage, refuse collection, etc., every time the cost of these services increases’ All of these services provided by the local councils and boards are’ for the benefit of everyone, whether a ratepayer or a tenant in a State house. But although rates are regularly increased State house rentals remain constant. Why should not they be adjusted every time there is an assessment for rates so that everyone pays, an equal share for the use of these services? —Yours, etc., RATEPAYER. Sept. 24, 1959.

Sir,—Nothing, ip Mr Barnsley’s latest letter convinces me that he is not a lucky man to have enjoyed the use of “a fine, originally built; State rental house” for 14 years at a very cheap rent, and that the present very moderate rise in his rental is at all excessive. And I still do not see why he wishes to “pass on” his costs to his fellow citizens. He mentions paying £7B a year for a large house 14 years ago. I also will quote an extreme case. Three days ago, during the debate on the 3 per cent housing money estimates, Government members cited cases of persons paying £lO to £l2 for family homes—a week! Mr Barnsley’s “whale of a grievance” is only a sprat.—Yours, etc., SMALL MERCIES. September 25, 1959.