Oxford social housing rent could rise by nearly £500 a year

Oxford City Council is recommended to approve the rise at its full council meeting on Monday which would result in an average weekly increase of £9.27 per week, equivalent to a 7.7 per cent change.

The recommended increase is the maximum amount permitted under UK law and Oxford would be following in the footsteps of a number of other councils across the country who have already introduced the price hike.

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There will be an additional proposal discussed, with the council called to increase the charge for garages by seven per cent from £17.85 to £19.10 per week for a standard garage and up from £20.16 to £21.60 for a premium one.

Councillor Ed Turner, head of financial services, will present the report to full council. (Image: Oxford City Council)

A council report states ahead of the meeting states: "The main risk is that the increases are not approved resulting in an unsustainable financial position that would require significant reductions in the provision of services and support to its residents."

It concludes: "A rent increase that is lower than inflation will have a detrimental impact on the viability of the House Rent Allowance (HRA) as the income will not be able to keep pace with rising costs and as a consequence would be at risk of failing its tenants in the supply of services and support."