Taxpayer To Benefit From Public Sector Housing Changes

5% Hike In Public Sector Rents

The Department of Social Care have today announced a 5% hike in Public Sector rents due to come into force in April 2011.

Also set to come into force in April is a reduction in the housing maintenance allowance for both the Department of Social Care and the 17 Local Housing Authorities, which manage the 6,000 public sector properties.

That has been reduced from 33 to 30% of rents receivable - this will reduce the cost to the taxpayer by roughly £1 million annually.

The next year is anticipated to be a record one for first time buyer home completions, with £130 million set aside for housing developments over the next five years.