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This week (from 24 February) every Incommunities household will receive details in the post of their new weekly rents due from 6 April 2009.

The Government sets the criteria by which social housing landlords across the country can increase their rents. It means the average rent for Incommunities tenants (from 6 April 2009) will increase by £5.09 pence to £66.58 a week.

Adrienne Reid, Incommunities’ Assistant Chief Executive, Neighbourhood Services said: “Incommunities is legally guided by the rent levels set by the Government for social landlords across the country and as an open and responsible housing landlord we have written to every tenant giving the full details of the changes.

“We are very aware of the current economic climate and its impact on all residents in the district and our new rent levels continue to be the lowest charged among housing associations in the Bradford district.

“However, these are hard times and we have also increased the resources we are putting in to help our customers with debt advice and benefit claims along with our partners, the independent advice agency, CHAS.

“Incommunities is also charging some of the cost of providing services to its 16,000 tenants living in flats, sheltered schemes and linked housing. These cover heating and hot water supplies, concierge services and caretaking and cleaning services. In these areas we have tried to keep costs to a minimum and have capped charges in some cases.

“Over 70% of Incommunities tenants who are affected by these rent and service changes are entitled to support through their Housing Benefit.

“We are committed to improving our services and have introduced Service Standards across our customer operations so that people have a clear statement of what they can expect from us. These are reviewed annually in consultation with our customers to make sure we are providing a high level of services to everyone.

“As the area’s biggest housing landlord we are also continuing to improve our existing homes and build new ones and provide affordable, safe and secure accommodation.”

Incommunities will be notifying the Housing Benefit and Supporting People Team of the new rent levels and service charges. It is also important that tenants who receive either of these benefits make sure they check their case has been re-assessed.

If anyone has an enquiry about the new rent and service charges, needs advice about possible benefit entitlement or would like to discuss the range of payment options available they should contact the Incommunities Income Team on 01274 254777.