Rents to rise by 5 per cent in April

Sat, 06 Dec 2014

People who live in public sector housing will have their rents increased by five percent in April.

It follows consultation with the Island's 18 local housing authorities and represents an increase of less than £4 a week.

The cost of providing public sector housing - including maintenance, refurbishment and replacement - currently outstrips the income received through rent.

The Department of Health and Social Care says the increase is fair as it has failed to deliver on means testing which won't be introduced for at least a year.

Minister Howard Quayle says he understands the decision may not be well received: