What council's planned rent hike means for tenants
Getty ImagesLeaders on Stoke-on-Trent City Council have backed a proposal to increase rent for its 17,000 social housing tenants in the city.
The planned rise of 4.5% was approved by the Labour-run authority's cabinet during a meeting at its headquarters on Wednesday.
The proposal will go before December's meeting of the full council, which will need to approve it before it comes into force in April 2027.
Councillors said the increase, which followed government guidance, was "essential" and would enable the authority to invest in its existing properties.
How much would tenants pay?
The proposed rental increase will see payments go up by an average of £5.11 per week, making the weekly average £93.62.
It follows guidance issued by the government, which allows for rent increases of no more than the rate of inflation in September, 3.5%, plus 1%.
Properties charged below formula rent - the government-regulated benchmark for social housing rent - would also see an additional £1 per week increase.
Tenants who receive housing benefit or universal credit would be protected from the rise, along with those on the state pension, according to the council's report.
The local authority is also set to extend its financial independent fund in 2027-28, which allows for payments to be made to tenants struggling to afford essentials like white goods.
How does it compare with other areas?
LDRSCouncillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for housing, said the authority offered some of the cheapest rents when compared to national and regional averages.
According to the latest government figures, Stoke-on-Trent City Council charged the third-lowest rent among similar local authorities in England.
The city's weekly average of £86.95 was nearly £10 less than the West Midlands and £21 less than England as a whole.
Why has the increase been proposed?
Walker said it was "essential" the authority followed the government's guidance to ensure the delivery of its housing revenue account (HRA) business plan - the legally mandated strategy to manage council housing stock.
He said it was important to invest in existing homes and properties "so that all tenants have a home that is safe, decent and well-maintained".
Councillor Finlay Gordon McCusker, cabinet member for regeneration, said: "It's important to recognise that every pound of rent goes back into our homes, back into our estates, making them better."
He said this included dealing with issues like damp or mould, making homes more energy-efficient and building new homes.
"The alternative to this report is making cuts to services and improvements," he added.
This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.
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