Ritchie keeps rent increase to minimum

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today approved a 1.9% rent increase for Northern Ireland Housing Executive tenants in 2010/11.

The increase will equate, on average, to less than £1 per week for tenants.

Margaret Ritchie said: “In these times of financial hardship and budget cuts, for ordinary people in their day to day lives every penny counts. I am determined to meet the needs of tenants by keeping the rent increase to a minimum while seeking to provide the necessary additional funding for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s maintenance programmes.

“What’s more, the impact of the increase will be zero to almost 80% of Housing Executive tenants, who will not have to pay this additional sum of less than £1 per week, as they are on housing benefits.”

Notes to editors:

1. For further information, contact the DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9497. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699.