Council tenants saved by 11th hour change in rent increases (Lewisham Liberal Democrats)

Lewisham Liberal Democrats <info@lewishamlibdems.org.uk>

Council tenants saved by 11th hour change in rent increases

March 12, 2009 3:55 PM

Chris Maines has welcomed the housing minister's decision

A Government minister has stepped in and halved the rent increase being proposed by Lewisham's Mayor. The reduction in the rent rise has been welcomed by Lewisham Liberal Democrats who had voiced worries that Lewisham tenants were being hit by a 6.2% rent increase and one of the highest council tax increases in inner London.

Commenting on the housing minister's decision to make funding available to cut planned rent increases for council tenants, Chris Maines, leader of Lewisham's Liberal Democrat councillors said, "This is welcome news, and I hope Lewisham Council will pass on the cut as soon as possible. Lib Dems had been concerned at the rent rise and this is one of the reasons we wanted to freeze council tax - to make things easier for council tenants with jobs who pay full rent and council tax. As it is, the cut Margaret Beckett has announced will be eaten up by Steve Bullock's council tax increase."

The additional government funding announced by housing minister Margaret Beckett will benefit tenants of Lewisham Homes but not tenants who have recently been transferred to a new social housing landlord.

Cllr Chris Maines said, "Margaret Beckett's announcement only benefits those who are still council tenants. It seems the housing associations that have taken over parts of Lewisham will still increase rents according to the formula which produced the 6% Lewisham rise. The new Government money will not benefit Phoenix, L & Q or Broomleigh tenants, so thousands of former council tenants still face a large rent increase. This includes all former council properties in Downham, Whitefoot, Bellingham, Grove Park and parts of Blackheath and Lewisham Central. These tenants deserve a reduction in the rent hike too - and I'll be asking the Mayor and the government to ensure they benefit too.

"Lewisham's Mayor has until the end of April to announce whether he is taking up the extra Government grant. I hope he does so quickly to ease tenants' worries during this economic crisis."