Northern Ireland Housing Executive Rent Increase

15 January 2004
NORTHERN IRELAND HOUSING EXECUTIVE RENT INCREASE
Housing Executive rents are to be increased by three per cent for year 2004/05, the Department for Social Development announced today. This is less than the agreed four per cent increase for council housing in England and Wales.

The new weekly rents will apply from April 2004 and will mean an increase of Ł1.28 to Ł44.23, excluding rates, for the average Housing Executive tenant.

Rents in Northern Ireland are currently Ł7.80 less than the average 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 important benefit.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The three per cent increase equates to forecast Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of two and a half per cent plus a half per cent. The agreed increase for council housing in England and Wales amounts to four per cent and that comprises GDP plus one and a half per cent.

2. The Housing Executive will advise all tenants of their new weekly rent that applies from April.

3. 80pc of Housing Executive tenants are in receipt of Housing Benefit and will not be affected by the increase.

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