Haringey rent rise will hit poorest the hardest, say Lib Dems

Haringey s Lib Dems have blasted an inflation-busting 6.1 per cent rent rise for council tenants next year. The increase comes after this year s rise in rents of 6.5 per cent. Local Liberal Democrats criticised the move at last week s meeting of the cou

Haringey's Lib Dems have blasted an inflation-busting 6.1 per cent rent rise for council tenants next year.

The increase comes after this year's rise in rents of 6.5 per cent.

Local Liberal Democrats criticised the move at last week's meeting of the council's Overview and Scrutiny committee, saying it is hitting the poorest in the borough most.

Members on the scrutiny committee have asked for full disclosure of the figures after learning that this will be in addition to increased tenancy charges and massive hikes in heating and lighting bills for some tenants.

Cllr Laura Edge, Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson, comments:

"Tenants will despair at this further inflation-busting rent hike. In an economic environment of increasing joblessness, rising fuel and food bills, the last thing tenants need is news before Christmas that another fat bill is coming their way."

Lynne Featherstone, MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, said: "Labour pretend to be the party of the people but then they hit those struggling most.