Social housing rents are set to increase by almost £10 per week for some residents in Salford. Tenants living in council-owned homes managed by Pendleton Together, named in the council report as the Pendleton Private Finance Initiative (PFI), and the Duchy Caravan Park will be hit by the higher charges after the rise was voted through by councillors yesterday (Tuesday, January 23). The hike is made up of a £6 weekly rent increase and a £2 service charge increase for those living in Pendleton Together high rise blocks or Lombardy Court. Residents on the Duchy caravan park will pay an extra £6.49 per week pitch fee. The total number of Pendleton Together homes impacted is 1,209. The rent increase for around 75 percent of households will be fully or partially covered by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit for those impacted, the council report stated. Councillor Tracy Kelly, Salford council’s lead member for housing, property and regeneration, said: “This is never an easy time, I sympathise with anyone who is impacted. It’s never taken lightly, especially in a cost of living crisis.” Mayor Paul Dennett pointed out that national issues have impacted the council’s decision, including “the government crashing the economy” and high levels of inflation leading to increased costs. He said: “I think it’s important to note that the external environment is having an impact. If that was not the case we might not be here discussing a six percent increase in rent. “When it comes to the welfare of the people of Salford, it’s clear to this council we can’t rely on the government to do that. In terms of supporting the community, the government could work much more closely with us. “It’s really quite scandalous at this point in time that we still don’t know if the government will continue with the household support fund (HSF).” The HSF is a government scheme set up to support local authorities helping people classed as “vulnerable” who may be facing financial hardship. It is due to end after March this year. Following the meting, Councillor Robin Garrido, leader of Salford Conservatives, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We oppose the increase, PFI have not completed all the work on the high rises, we still have cladding issues outstanding. “They have the nerve to increase the rent when tenants are still suffering and an increase on service charges when the area is in a mess.” Work to replace the cladding on the high rise buildings is ongoing and expected to be completed by spring 2025. Service charge increases will be subsidised by the council to reduce the impact on residents. More than £130,000 will be taken from the Pendleton Hardship Fund to finance this. The rent increase would provide the council with a surplus of £3.972 million as opposed to freezing rents which would lead to a deficit of more than £5 million. Salford council is legally required to balance their Housing Revenue Account – the money it makes and spends on managing housing stock. Salford City Council was contacted for comment.
