Public sector rents are to rise by 1%.

The government says the increase will be allocated to maintaining the island’s stock of more than 6,200 public sector properties.

The most recent inflation figure for the island was 0.2%.

The revised charges have been announced by the Department of Infrastructure following consultation with the island’s 15 local housing authorities.

It equates to average weekly rent increases of between £0.73p and £1.52, depending upon the size of the property.

Tenants who have their rental costs met by the government as part of their income-assessed social security benefits will not be affected by the change.

Infrastructure Minister Tim Baker MHK said: ’The aim is for the income generated by this increase to be ringfenced for maintenance, enabling local authorities to meet increased costs while keeping properties in good order for their tenants.

’In reaching this decision we have sought to strike the right balance between the cost to tenants and local authorities’ ability to maintain their properties.’

Public sector tenants are reminded that help is available should they find themselves struggling to meet their financial obligations. In the first instance, they should contact the social security division within the Treasury, where staff can provide advice regarding any assistance for which they may be eligible.