Rents Rise While Repairs Go Unfixed

Many social housing tenants are telling us they are facing long waits for repairs – which often aren’t done properly even when they finally happen. Yet the Council has approved a 4.8% rent increase for 2026/27. Average rents will rise by £6.41 per week – an extra £333 a year.

At the same time, the Council admits there is already a large gap between Local Housing Allowance and private rents. With the Labour Government freezing Local Housing Allowance, the risk of homelessness is rising and more families could end up in temporary accommodation.

Local Lib Dem campaigner Kath Pollard says “Tenants deserve decent homes, repairs done on time and fair rents – not inflation-busting rent rises.”