Public sector rent to increase by 3.1%

Wed, 20 Dec 2017

Public sector rents are set to increase by 3.1% next year.

The Department of Infrastructure has announced plans to put rents up to meet the rising cost of housing and increase maintenance.

The Department says 1.1% of the rise will be ring-fenced to increase maintenance allowances for local authorities.

The increase means a one-bedroom flat will cost an extra £1.74 per week from April next year, while a three-bedroom house will go up by £2.96.

Some local authorities that provide housing told the DoI no increase was necessary, while other suggested a rise of 6%.

It's expected providing public sector housing will cost the Government £5m during the 2018-19 financial year.