Housing associations have a collective surplus of over £4 billion. There is no need for them to raise rents or hike up service charges. Some associations have even managed to increase their surpluses, even after the government instructed them to cut rents in 2016.
By contrast, a survey by the Social Housing Action Campaign (Shac) revealed almost one quarter of respondents could not afford the rent rises being inflicted on them from April 2022. And 85% face cutting back on other essentials.
One Shac member reported she had “recently received a new rent and service charge letter from my landlord Clarion Housing. The increase will contribute to a dramatic shift in my current living costs, especially when combined with an increase in energy bills, council tax and other household bills.”
If the government instructed social housing providers to cut the rents before, it can do it again, and end rip-off service charging too.
Tenants and residents can also get support from Shac to leaflet their local estate. Email [email protected] with your address and the quantity of leaflets you would like.
If you would like to organise a local protest or demo outside your landlord’s offices, please let Shac know. They can provide leaflets and publicity, and will mobilise support.
- Protest 9 April, 12 noon at the Department for Levelling Up, SW1P 4DF
