Stoke-on-Trent City Council is considering proposals to increase council housing rents and charges from April 2027. The changes form part of the council's Rent Setting Report and align with government policy to create a fairer and more consistent system of social housing rents across the country.
The proposals will be considered by the Cabinet next month before being recommended to full council as part of the budget-setting process.
What the rent increases will be
Council housing rents would increase by inflation plus one per cent from April 2027. Eligible properties would also face an additional £1 per week rent convergence increase.
The council is also proposing changes to some service charges, including grounds maintenance and charges linked to newer developments. These charges are based on the costs of providing those services.
Despite the planned increases, Stoke-on-Trent council housing rents are among the lowest in the country and will remain so after the changes take effect.
Why the council is proposing the increases
The proposals come as the council faces significant pressure on council housing finances. The Housing Revenue Account 30-year Business Plan highlights rising costs associated with maintaining and improving homes, meeting enhanced building safety standards, responding to Awaab's Law requirements, improving energy efficiency and delivering day-to-day repairs and maintenance.
Without additional income, the council has warned it would need to consider service reductions and lower levels of investment in housing stock.
The government's new rent policy
Under the government's updated rent policy, social housing landlords can increase rents annually by inflation plus one per cent. They are also now able to apply a limited adjustment to help bring rents that are below the national formula level into line over time. This takes account of factors including property values, local incomes and the size and type of home.
Many council homes in Stoke-on-Trent currently have rents below the formula rent level, meaning tenants in similar properties can pay different amounts. The council says the government's approach will allow these differences to be addressed gradually and fairly over time.
How Stoke-on-Trent rents compare
Latest analysis shows Stoke-on-Trent council rents remain among the lowest for comparable local authorities in the UK and below the average charged by many housing associations operating in the city.
Council house properties in Stoke-on-Trent are £100 to £160 per week cheaper than adjoining former Right to Buy semi-detached private rented properties, according to city-wide analysis.
Support available for tenants
The council is extending its Financial Independence Fund for a further year. The fund provides targeted support to tenants facing financial hardship and helps people sustain their tenancies and avoid homelessness.
The council's Income Advice Team has also supported hundreds of tenants to maximise their incomes through benefits advice, debt support and financial guidance. In recent years, the team has secured millions of pounds in additional income for residents.
Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities and housing, said the council's priority is to continue providing safe, decent and affordable homes for tenants while ensuring council housing remains financially sustainable.
"The government has introduced a new national approach which allows councils to begin addressing historic differences in rents between similar properties," he said. "These proposals would help us create a fairer system while generating the investment needed to maintain and improve homes."
If approved, any changes would take effect from 1 April 2027.