Sutton campaign leads to Government rent increase back down

1.39.58pm GMT Thu 19th Mar 2009

Just weeks after the Lib Dem leader of Sutton Council, Cllr Sean Brennan, wrote to Housing Minister Margaret Beckett demanding a fairer deal for Sutton residents and asking for a cut in rents, the minister has announced that Government rent increase guide lines are to be slashed in half with central government footing the bill.

The Leader's letter was part of a sustained campaign led by Sutton residents.

The rent increases were linked to the unpopular policy of using Sutton tenants' rents to pay for improvements to housing in other parts of the country.

Council tenants across the borough pay the government £10 million a year in what is known as 'a negative housing subsidy'.

Council Leader Sean Brennan said: "This is a real victory for Sutton residents. The Government has backed down and listened to us. Next we want the Government to think again on the whole unfair system of using tenants rents to subsidise housing improvements elsewhere."

Sutton Council tenants face government imposed rent rises of over 6% this year.

Jean Crossby, chair of Sutton Federation of Tenant and Resident Associations (SFTRA) added: "This is a start but that's all it is. The rent increase will still be well above Sutton Council's increase in the council tax. What we really want is a fair system. That's why we are off to Parliament on March 25".

Sutton tenants and their supporters including the Council Leader and two local MPs, Tom Brake and Paul Burstow, are lobbying Parliament, presenting a petition to Downing Street and on meeting with Housing Minister Iain Wright as part of their campaign against the 'rent claw back'.