1.5% rent increase set by Caerphilly Council lowest increase for several years,

CAERPHILLY County Borough Council’s Cabinet has today (10th February) agreed tenants’ rents for 2021/22.

Cabinet members agreed to an increase of 1.5%; the lowest rent increase set by the Council for several years, with the average increase over the past 7 years being 3.33%.

Cllr Lisa Phipps, the Council’s Cabinet member for Housing and Property, said:

“The council is committed to keeping rents affordable for tenants, with annual increases set in line with Welsh Government policy. The most recent All Wales indicators place Caerphilly as the third-lowest local authority rent in Wales.  The 1.5% increase places our average weekly rent at £92.02 per week.

We understand that any increase in rent will be a concern, particularly during the current pandemic, and have a range of support available to tenants who find themselves experiencing financial difficulties.

If rents are not increased annually this has a detrimental impact on the delivery of housing-related services, investment in current housing stock and meeting our commitment to provide new affordable housing; to reduce waiting lists and homelessness.  It could also result in additional borrowing, which will in turn increase debt charges, and ultimately lead to the council having to review the services currently being delivered.”