The Vale of Glamorgan Council has decided to raise rents by 2.7% for the upcoming year, sparking mixed reactions from local councillors.
Vale of Glamorgan: The council just voted to bump up rents by 2.7% for the 2025/26 year. They say it’s necessary to keep things running smoothly, like paying staff and maintaining homes.
Some council members argue that even with this increase, rents will still be cheaper than what you’d find in the private market. But not everyone is on board with the hike.
Opposition councillors are raising eyebrows. Cllr Ian Johnson from Plaid Cymru thinks raising rents is fair if it matches inflation, but not if it goes beyond that.
At a recent meeting, Cllr William Hennessy from the Conservatives questioned what tenants are actually getting for their money. He pointed out that while they’re paying more, services like grass cutting aren’t up to scratch.
He mentioned that tenants are being asked to pay for things like door entry systems without having a say in it. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you feel like you’re not getting your money’s worth.
The council’s report acknowledges that many tenants are facing financial challenges. They’re trying to keep rent increases reasonable, but it’s a balancing act.
Cllr Amelia Collins from Plaid Cymru also expressed her worries about how some folks might struggle to pay the higher rents. It’s a real concern, especially with the council also looking at a 6.9% increase in council tax.
Cllr Hennessy raised a good point: not everyone is getting pay raises to match these increases. He feels it’s unfair for tenants, and he’s speaking from a councillor’s perspective, not just as a tenant.
Cllr Sandra Perkes, who’s in charge of public housing, defended the increase, saying it’s not huge and that there are other services included. But it’s still a tough situation for many.
Mike Ingram, the head of housing, mentioned that finding affordable private rentals is a real struggle right now. He noted that decent three-bedroom homes are going for around £800 a month, which is steep.
To help out, the council has promised not to evict anyone due to financial hardship this coming year, as long as they’re communicating with their landlords. They’re also offering targeted support for those in tough spots.
