Nuneaton and Bedworth council tenants face biggest rent increase in four years

[dutchman]

But an upgrading programme to improvement to homes is continuing



Council tenants across Nuneaton and Bedworth face the biggest rent increase in four years.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is proposing to increase the amount its tenants have to pay by 2.7 per cent.

This comes after a four year period where rent was reduced by at least one per cent, following a ruling from the government.

But this ruling no longer stands so, in the budget for 2020/21, the council is proposing a 2.7 per cent rise.

Other charges are set to be increased by 2.7 per cent, including garage rents.

Resident Michele Kondakor raised concerns about homeless hostel rents being increased by 2.7 per cent as well but Town Hall leader, Councillor Julie Jackson, stressed a large proportion of tenants can claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to pay for this.

Cllr Chris Watkins, cabinet member for housing, explained that the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was facing a 'number of significant' challenges but added that the council was ploughing ahead with plans to continue to make much-needed improvements to council homes.

"The HRA budget continues to face a number of significant challenges notably from the increased levels of Right to Buys, which reduces out stock and future income generation.

"Our planned improvements to tenants homes and ongoing investment into new homes to partly mitigate the Right to Buy sales is continuing."

The final decision on proposed rent increases and the improvement programme will be made at the annual Council Tax and budget setting meeting at the Town Hall on Monday night (February 17).

[dutchman]

The rent increases will apply to housing association tenants in Coventry too.

Councillor Julie Jackson, stressed a large proportion of tenants can claim Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to pay for this.

Only a very small proportion of tenants can claim the whole rent, mainly those over 65 who rely entirely on the state pension. You'd think a Labour councillor would know that?

[Melisandre]

For decades Labour have nt been for the poorer people all talk no action per usual.