Tenants’ rent rise cut by £2

COUNCIL tenants in Oldham will receive revised notices informing them of the borough’s new, lower rise in rents.

The national guideline rent increase for council homes is being halved from the planned 6.2 per cent to 3.1 per cent in 2009-10.

In Oldham, the rent increase will now be 3 per cent. Residents paying a weekly rent of £67 per week will save about £2 per week.

Oldham Council welcomed the announcement by the Housing Minister Margaret Beckett who said local authorities would get extra support to cut planned rent increases.

Councillor John McCann, Cabinet member for Community Services and Housing, said: “Anything that helps tenants at these difficult times is most welcome.

“I’m pleased that the Government has listened to local authorities and tenants in this case.

“Due to legal requirements, we have already sent out notices to tenants based on the rent rates recently agreed by the council. We will be sending tenants revised notices soon to ensure that they’re aware of this positive news.”

Labour councillor Bernard Judge, shadow cabinet member with responsibility for housing, said pressure from Labour councillors across the country had helped to get the extra Government support.

He said: “I am pleased the housing Minister has listened to us.”