Council rent will increase

The increase will take effect from April. It was agreed by the council’s cabinet on Monday and will be confirmed by the full council next Wednesday.

Nigel Croad, Arun’s resources director, said the rise was in line with the national formula set by the government based on the Retail Prices Index measure of inflation last September.

He pointed out the extra income formed an important part of the council’s housing revenue account budget.

The same decision also means garage rents will go up by five per cent and hostel rents by three per cent.

Water and sewerage charges will rise on a scheme-by-scheme basis to cover costs.