May 7, 2009
2 Million Social Tenants Missing Out on Government Rent Promise
Over 2 million social tenants have missed out on the Government’s pledge to halve the increase in council rent this year, figures uncovered by the Liberal Democrats have revealed.
People who live in housing association homes have been excluded from the Government’s promise, despite the fact that they make up half of all social tenants and already pay on average 13% higher rents than council tenants.
The average rent for a housing association property averages around £80 per week in the South East. In Reading housing associations control over 4,000 homes compared to just over 7,000 controlled by the local authority.
Commenting, Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Reading East Cllr Gareth Epps said:
“Millions of social tenants have been abandoned by this Government.
“Families and individuals across Reading are struggling to pay their bills and this inflation-busting rent hike could be the last straw for many.
Cllr Daisy Benson, Lib Dem housing spokesperson on Reading Borough Council added:
“There is no reason why housing association tenants are able to afford this rise any more than council tenants.
“It’s simply yet another case of the Government’s eagerness to grab headlines instead of helping millions of families.
