LIBERAL democrats have hit out at plans to increase council house rents at above the rate of inflation.

Borough leaders voted to increase rent by 7.8 per cent, as opposed to an average inflation-based rise of 5.5 per cent, at a housing committee meeting earlier this week. The council's housing services department has forecast a £723,000 shortfall in their budget for 1999/2000 and the rent increase has been voted through as the best way to balance the books.

But Liberal Democrats voted against the rise arguing for an increase in line with inflation. Clr Ian Marks said: "Our tenants have had a rough deal recently.

"This year they faced a 13.7 per cent increase and next year they are in for a further 7.8 per cent. This is a huge increase of nearly 23 per cent in two years and far greater than inflation.

"Our increase of 5.5 per cent is the figure recommended by the Government. It wouldn't be so bad if any increase above the Government level was going to lead to faster repairs and better maintenance but it's not."

The housing department has been left with a cash crisis after reductions in housing benefit and rent income due to an increase in empty properties and the sale of houses.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.