RENTS for Thurrock Council tenants are set to rise by the maximum 7.7 per cent from 1 April.

Councils are allowed to increase rents by inflation at 6.7 per cent plus 1 per cent and the debt-laden borough will charge the maximum during 2024/25, it says, in order to maintain its housing stock to a decent standard.

The increases, which include a 7.7 per cent increase in service charges, will net the council an extra £4.425million.

Rental on a two bedroom home will increase from £90.99 a week to £97.99 for tenants already hit with sharp rises in the cost of living.

Garage rent for council residents are also set to rise from £12.10 per week to £15.00. Rental for travellers sites will also increase from £95.28 to £100.

A report to councillors on the council's housing overview and scrutiny committee, due to meet next Tuesday (9 January), says: "The recommended rent and service charge increase of 7.7 per cent has been carefully considered in the compilation of the proposed budget.

"It is imperative that this is supported to ensure that the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) can mitigate some of the inflationary cost pressures which are projected in the forthcoming financial year."

The report adds: "The majority of properties within the HRA are charged a social rent. However, there are also a number of units which are charged at affordable rent level.

"This ensures these properties generate sufficient revenue to offset their ongoing associated costs without creating a financial strain on the HRA overall."

The rent increase will result in a budget surplus £1.580m for the HRA in 2024/25 which will be budgeted as a contribution to council reserves in 2024/25.

This funding will form part of the long-term financial planning for the Blackshots and Teviot Avenue schemes.