Council tenants could are set to see a 4% hike in their rent.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet is set to consider the Welsh Government’s proposals for rent increases at a meeting on Tuesday February 7.
The Welsh Government determines guideline rent increases for local authorities and Housing Associations across Wales.
The current average rent increase for tenants is proposed as 5.1%, although the actual increase being recommended within Caerphilly County Borough is an increase of 4% .
Cllr Lyn Ackerman, cabinet member for housing, said: “It is appreciated that in the current financial climate this information will not be well received, but it is important that our tenants understand that the rent increases fall outside the council’s control.
“We would like to assure residents that the additional income generated by the new charges will be used by the council for the improvement, repair and management of our tenants’ homes.”
Local Authorities and Housing Associations are required to increase investment in their housing stock in order to meet the Welsh Housing Quality Standard and to ensure that the standard is maintained thereafter.
A rent increase less than the guideline would reduce the ability to manage and maintain the housing stock to the required standards
In order to meet the deadlines for advising tenants of increases in rents and other charges, the increases have to be determined and fully agreed by February 24.