Written question asked by Baroness Harman (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 March 1997. It was answered by Roger Evans (Conservative) on Thursday, 20 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: What projections his Department has made, and over what periods, of future levels of provision of accommodation matching the single room rent definition.

Answer: Ms Harman: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what projections his Department has made, and over what periods, of future levels of provision of accommodation matching the single room rent definition. [21130] Mr. Roger Evans: The rental market is flexible and we believe it will respond to changes in demand arising from the application of the single room rent determinations. To encourage people who have spare rooms in their houses to let them out, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in the Budget, an increase to the current rent-a-room threshold of £3,250. From April, rental income of up to £4,250 will be exempt from tax.

Secondary information