Tenants could be hit by rent rise

NEWCASTLE social housing tenants could be hit in the pocket after plans to increase rent and service charges were rubberstamped by senior councillors.

Weekly rent charges at Your Homes Newcastle properties are set to increase by 4.1%, after they were signed off by Newcastle City Council’s cabinet on Monday.

This means that thousands of tenants will be paying an average of £3.20 extra every week – or £166 more a year.

Previously renters’ union Acorn slammed the move as “absolutely criminal” at a time when there are warnings of a nationwide cost of living crisis caused by rocketing bills, with the council being urged to rethink its plans.

The council said the price hike was needed to fund health and safety upgrades in its housing stock and that it was “fully committed” to supporting people that are struggling to make ends meet.

A report heard by cabinet said: “Newcastle City Council recognises the impact of these changes on tenants and is fully committed to supporting to respond to welfare reforms and cost of living rises.

“The Council and YHN has a broad spectrum of advice which is available to support and assist tenants to budget effectively, address rent arrears, maximise income and provide debt advice and support through a process of visits, letters and referrals to various specialist support agencies.

“This work is aligned with the corporate debt review which aims to promote fairness, which means responding as consistently and effectively as we can to residents who are in debt to the Council and YHN.”

There are more than 25,000 rented council homes in the city that will be affected by the rent rise, due to come into force on April 4, though people in receipt of benefits will have the increase either fully or partially covered.

For the vast majority of tenants, the increase will amount to between an extra £2.50 and £3.75 per week.

Service charges and garage rent fees will also rise by 4.1% – as will heating prices for 2,352 tenants in areas with district heating systems and Ostara alarm services for the 464 properties that use them.