Waverley tenants hit with big rent increases

4.00.00pm GMT Wed 27th Feb 2008

Cllr Ken Reed and Sue Doughty discuss Waverley's housing problems

Despite Lib Dem opposition, the Conservatives have imposed an average rent increase of more than £3.50 per week. This figure represents a double inflation increase of 4.4%.

After the Council meeting at which the Conservatives voted through the increase, Cllr Ken Reed said, "Last year when the Liberal Democrats ran Waverley, the Conservatives pushed hard for the 3.9% RPI increase in rents approved to be reduced to match the 2.7% increase approved for council tax.

"Now, a year later, the new Conservative Administration has neglected the opportunity to bring rent increases back into line with council tax rises. Instead they did a U-turn and imposed an above-inflation rent increase."

Local campaigner Richard Cole added, "This adds more than £3.50 per week to the average tenant's rent, but it could have been pegged at £2.50 had the Conservatives been as public spirited in power as they were in opposition. This shows up their calls last year as a cheap political game."