04/01/2006

Rent increase planned by Housing Executive

The Department for Social Development has today announced that all Housing Executive rents are to be increased by 2.7% between 2006 – 07.

This is to be applied to all Housing Executive properties in Northern Ireland beginning April 2006, and is expected to add around £1.23 to the weekly rent, with an average annual total of £46.81, excluding rates.

Housing executive property in Northern Ireland is currently £8.59 less than it is for local authority accommodation in England.

Approximately 78% of people living in Housing Executive residence receive housing benefits to help pay for some or all of their rent, these people will not be affected by the increase.

However, some tenants, especially older people with small occupational pensions, may not qualify for housing benefit.

The Department is aware of this and have asked the Housing executive to ensure that people living on the margins are not missing out on important benefits.

(EF/SP)

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