A RENT increase for Cheshire West and Chester’s council housing has been rubber-stamped.

Members agreed the hike of 4.1 per cent at a recent meeting of full council, with the authority claiming the move is necessary to continue to invest in homes and communities and provide energy efficient properties.

The rise will take effect from April 2022 and be invested back into improving and maintaining the authority’s social housing stock,  the council said.

A 3.1 per cent increase in garage rents, charges for lifeline services and management charge for leaseholders were also approved.

It was also agreed to establish a  tenancy support fund for low-income council tenants unable to pay their rent to enable them to retain their tenancy

Speaking at the meeting at Chester Racecourse Pavilion, Cllr Matt Bryan, cabinet member for housing, planning & climate emergency, said: “No-one likes putting rent up, this pays for our 30-year investment plan and ensures we’ve got decent houses and decent living standards for our tenants and also seeks to set up a tenant support scheme for residents who might find this difficult.”

Lynn Gibbon, shadow cabinet member for regeneration, housing and growth, added: “It is hoped that this extra revenue will be used wisely, future-proofing to help reductions in utility bills, improving accommodation facilities with good ongoing maintenance programmes, leading to  improvements in the health and wellbeing of families.”

The council said around 76 per cent of council tenants receive a welfare benefit that helps to cover their housing costs and any increase in rents will mean the benefit received will increase to cover the cost.

There were 62 votes in favour and two abstentions.

ForHousing supports any tenant who may have difficulty paying their rent, have questions on their welfare benefits or need help managing money or debt.

You can contact them via their website live chat, email on hello@forhousing.co.uk, or call 0300 123 5522 to speak to a member of staff.