2 January 2003

NORTHERN IRELAND HOUSING EXECUTIVE RENT INCREASE

The Department for Social Development today announced that Housing Executive rents for 2003/04 will be increased by 3.25pc.

This increase - which equates to forecast GDP (2.25pc)+1pc - is in line with the increase agreed for council housing in England and Wales.

Announcing details of the new weekly rents that will apply from April 2003, a Department spokesman said:

"For the average Housing Executive tenant this will mean an increase of £1.35 per week. At £42.95 per week average Housing Executive rents will still be some £7.80 less than local authority rents in England and Wales.

"More than three quarters of Housing Executive tenants receive housing benefit to pay some or all of their rent. However, the Department is conscious that there are still some tenants, particularly older people with small occupational pensions, who still pay their rent. The Housing Executive has been asked to ensure that people living on the margins are not missing out on this important benefit."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The increase in Housing Executive rents excludes rates and will be introduced from April 2003.

The Housing Executive will advise all tenants of their new weekly rent.

79pc of Housing Executive tenants are in receipt of Housing Benefit and will not be affected by the increase.

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