> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Council housing rent proposals support investment in homes and protect services - and still remain among lowest in the country - URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/council-housing-rent-proposals-support-investment-in-homes-and-protect-services-and-still-remain-among-lowest-in-the-country/ - Published: 2026-10-26T13:28:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-28T13:29:33.000Z - Description: Stoke-on-Trent City Council is considering proposals to increase council housing rents from April 2027, with the authority saying the additional income would support investment in homes, repairs and neighbourhood services. - Author: The Staffordshire Signal Newsroom - Tags: Business & Education ****THE SIGNAL BRIEF** ****What’s new:** Stoke-on-Trent City Council is considering increasing council housing rents by inflation plus one per cent from April 2027, with an additional £1 per week increase for eligible properties. ****Why it matters:** The council says the additional income would support repairs, improvements, building safety requirements and neighbourhood services while helping protect existing levels of investment. ****What’s next:** The proposals will go before Cabinet before being recommended to full council as part of the budget-setting process. If approved, the changes would take effect from 1 April 2027. The council is considering proposals to update council housing rents and charges from April 2027 as part of new government policy aimed at creating a fairer and more consistent system of social housing rents across the country. The proposals, which are being looked at as part of the council’s Rent Setting Report, are due to be considered by the authority's Cabinet next month and would support continued investment in council homes, essential repairs and neighbourhood services. They would see council housing rents increase by inflation plus one per cent, alongside an additional £1 per week rent convergence increase for eligible properties from April 2027. **Despite this, city council housing rents are among the lowest in the country and that would remain the case even after the planned increases.** Under the government's updated rent policy, social housing landlords can increase rents annually by inflation plus one per cent. They are also now able to apply a limited adjustment to help bring rents that are below the national formula level into line over time. This takes account of factors including property values, local incomes and the size and type of home. Many council homes in Stoke-on-Trent currently have rents below the formula rent level, meaning tenants in similar properties can pay different amounts. The council says the government's approach will allow these differences to be addressed gradually and fairly over time. The council is also proposing changes to some service charges, including grounds maintenance and charges linked to newer developments, which are based on the costs of providing those services. Competition 2pairs to win ### Win tickets to see the *Mediaeval Baebes* at Stoke Minster 30th Anniversary Concert • Saturday 19 December Torchlit processions, ancient songs and voices that sound centuries old, all in one of the city's most atmospheric buildings. Entering is free. [Sign up to the newsletter to enter](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/#/portal/signup) **Already a subscriber? You're automatically entered.** Closes 11.59pm, Friday 20 November 2026\. [Full details and T&Cs](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/win-tickets-to-see-the-mediaeval-baebes/) Photo: Rob Kelly They also come at a time of significant pressure on council housing finances. The council's Housing Revenue Account 30-year Business Plan highlights rising costs associated with maintaining and improving homes, meeting enhanced building safety standards, responding to Awaab's Law requirements, improving energy efficiency and delivering day-to-day repairs and maintenance. It warns that without additional income, the council would need to consider service reductions and lower levels of investment in housing stock. The proposal comes as latest analysis shows Stoke-on-Trent council rents remain among the lowest for comparable local authorities in the UK and below the average charged by many housing associations operating in the city. > Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for safe and resilient communities and housing, said: "Our priority is to continue providing safe, decent and affordable homes for our tenants while ensuring council housing remains financially sustainable for the future. > > "The government has introduced a new national approach which allows councils to begin addressing historic differences in rents between similar properties. These proposals would help us create a fairer system while generating the investment needed to maintain and improve homes. > > "We know households continue to face cost-of-living pressures and that is why support remains available. Through our Income Advice Team, Financial Independence Fund, Help is at Hand campaign and financial MOT programme, we will continue working with tenants to help maximise incomes, access benefits and manage financial difficulties. > > "Even with these proposed changes, council housing in Stoke-on-Trent remains significantly cheaper than equivalent private rented accommodation and below many comparable social housing rents elsewhere. > > “For example, recent city-wide analysis shows our council house properties are £100 to £160 per week cheaper than adjoining former Right to Buy semi-detached private rented properties.” Alongside the rent proposals, the council plans to extend its Financial Independence Fund for a further year. The fund provides targeted support to tenants facing financial hardship and helps people sustain their tenancies and avoid homelessness. Last year the fund helped residents with essential items and other housing-related support. The council's Income Advice Team has also supported hundreds of tenants to maximise their incomes through benefits advice, debt support and financial guidance, securing millions of pounds in additional income for residents in recent years. The proposals will be considered by Cabinet before being recommended to full council as part of the budget-setting process. If approved, any changes would take effect from 1 April 2027. ![The Staffordshire Signal](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/Logo-website-PNG-close-crop-green-4.png) Why the Signal exists ## Real news takes time. Thanks for taking yours. You've just read a story that took time to get right. No clickbait, no racing to be first, no ads chasing you down the page. I started The Staffordshire Signal because I got fed up of local news that chased clicks instead of stories. 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