Rent protests grow

Following Rochdale Council's proposal to increase rents for tenants by 6.28% in the coming year, after setting a lower increase for this year, Rochdale Federation of Tenants and Residents Associations (RoFTRA) is wating to receive proposals from the Council about how it intends to consult with tenants respect of that increase.

It is expected that rent increases will average 6.2% in the coming year and 6.1% the following year in line with the Government's requirements for the convergence of rents for Council owned properties with those of Housing Association homes.

Growing numbers of tenants are concerned about the proposals since it represents a rate that’s more than double the current rate of inflation, and with inflation predicted by the Government to fall to 1% by April, will be six times the rate of inflation!

Protests have been registered with Housing Minister, Margarett Beckett, by the Arms Length Management Organisation, Carrick Housing, and Luton’s Council Leader has also written to Mrs Beckett demanding the freedom to set a lower increase.