Powys County Council has announced plans to increase council house rent by 6.7%

The rent increase, justified by the County Council for supporting the construction of new council homes, maintaining existing housing stock, and ensuring that all council homes are greener.

The increase, which amounts to an average of £6.80 per week, is the maximum allowed by the Welsh Government.

The decision to increase rents was backed by the council's Tenant Scrutiny Panel, which reviewed various options for changes to rents for the 2024/25 financial year.

The council believes that the increase will allow them to adequately fund services and continue with their maintenance investment plans for the approximately 5,500 council homes in the area.

The additional funds will also support the council's growing program of building new council homes and increasing the fuel efficiency of existing homes, which will help combat fuel poverty, reduce carbon emissions, and address climate change.

Cllr James Gibson-Watt, Leader of Powys County Council, said:

"Our growing programme of building new council homes and our maintenance investment plans for our existing council homes will help us build a stronger, fairer, greener Powys.

"This modest rent increase will ensure that we can invest in our housing stock, increase the number of council houses in our communities by building high-quality council homes and ensure all our homes are greener.

"The council would also like to acknowledge the Tenant Scrutiny Panel, who were consulted on the proposals and made a valuable contribution to the decision-making process.

"Council rents in Powys remain amongst the lowest of any landlord working in the county yet offer tenants the most security."

The rent increase is set to take effect from April 2024. Rent for council garages will also be increased by £0.92 per week.