Reduction in rent increase for Council Tenants in 2009/10
On 6th March 2009 the Government Housing Minister, Margaret Beckett, announced new support to help councils cut their planned rent increases for tenants. The national average guideline rent increase for 2009/10 will be halved from 6.2 per cent to 3.1 per cent for local authority tenants.
The guideline rent increase for 09/10 was set by the Government in September 2008 at a time of much higher inflation but the new guidelines will override this and support tenants during the current economic uncertainty.
What does this mean for Council tenants in Barnsley?
Barnsley Council has decided it will implement a lower rent increase for all tenants for 2009/ 10. This will be worked out in accordance with the new guidelines issued by the Government.
What rent will I pay from April 2009?
We have worked out your new rent payment and amended all of our records and our computer systems to reflect the lower rent increase from the 30th March 09. We are writing to every tenant to tell you what your new rent is for 2009/10.The letter will be posted out with the quarterly rent statements and Open House the week commencing 13th April 2009.
What if I get housing benefit?
If you get housing benefit your rent will still change. Your benefit payment will automatically be changed to take account of this. If you receive a full housing benefit now and your circumstances have not changed, you will still receive full housing benefit.
We have provided Housing Benefits with details of the revised rent and they have worked out your benefit entitlement based on the amended rent increase.
The Council will write to you in April to tell you how they have worked out your housing benefit.
What about rent for garages or garage plots?
Rent levels for garages and plots are set locally and so this government announcement does not affect the increase we have already set for 2009/10.
What about service charges?
Service charges for things such as communal facilities, laundries, and door entry systems are set locally and are not affected by this Government announcement. We have already served notices of increases for these services and they will not be reduced.
The charges made for heating charges for those tenants who get heat from a communal boiler were not increased for 2009/10 and they will not be reduced.
What about Supporting People charges?
Supporting People charges for those who live in sheltered housing or who receive a warden service are unaffected by the government announcement on rent increases. The increase in Supporting People charges is set by the Government and for 2009/10 the increase was set at only 1.83%. Tenants in Barnsley paying the full Supporting People charge will therefore see a 1.83% increase. This will not change as a result of the revised Government guidance on rent increases.
However, some tenants in Barnsley are protected and pay a lower Supporting People charge because they lived in the properties before April 2007. For these tenants their annual Supporting People charge increase is determined locally and for 2009/10 this will be 3.83%.
How will this affect my Direct Debit payment?
We are recalculating direct debit payments as quickly as possible. Once this has been completed you will receive a letter from Allpay telling you the new payment we will take from your bank account.
What if I want to know more or I am finding it difficult to pay my rent?
If you are worried about what to pay or need advice on money management please contact us in one of the following ways:
- phone us on 01226 775555;
- e-mail us at customerservices@berneslaihomes.co.uk; or
- visit one of our 9 local Barnsley Connects Offices.
For useful information on money management please visit the Money and Debt Advice section of our website.
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