Housing Executive Rent Increases Announced

4 January 2006
HOUSING EXECUTIVE RENT INCREASES ANNOUNCED
Housing Executive rents are to be increased by 2.7% for 2006-07 the Department for Social Development announced today.
The rent increase will be applied to Northern Ireland Housing Executive properties from April 2006 and will add approximately Ł1.23 to the weekly rent, bringing the average rent to Ł46.81, excluding rates. The average weekly rent of a Housing Executive dwelling is currently Ł8.59 less than for local authority accommodation in England.
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 some tenants, particularly older people with small occupational pensions, who do not qualify for housing benefit. 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 2.7% increase equates to forecast Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
2. The Housing Executive will advise all tenants of their new weekly rent which will apply from April 2006.
3. 78% of Housing Executive tenants are in receipt of Housing Benefit and will not be affected by the increase.

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