RENT rises for thousands of tenants in Kirklees will not be as high as first feared.
The Government had originally forced local authorities to put up rent for council house tenants by 5.75% in 2009/10.
But Whitehall backed down yesterdayafter lobbying by councils across the country.
Rents will now rise by 2.88% – half the original proposed increase.
From April tenants in Kirklees will pay an average of £60.77 a week, up £1.70 on last year, rather than £3.40 under the original plan.
Clr Andrew Marchington, joint Kirklees Cabinet member for housing welcomed the news.
He said: “Halving the rent increase reflects better the economic climate here in Kirklees. The council is leading the way by applying new rents at the earliest possible opportunity.”
Clr Shabir Pandor, joint Cabinet member for housing added: “This is great news for people and families across the country who are in local authority housing and worried about their household budgets.
“Councillors have been working hard to keep rents down for people during this tough time and to help their income go further. We’re really pleased the Government has reacted to our concerns.”
