Council tenants 'could face eviction' under new rules
13th Jun 2012
New government proposals could see council tenants faced with eviction if they do not agree to pay increased rents.
The new 'pay-to-stay' scheme is set to be unveiled by housing minister Grant Shapps and will see high-earning council tenants forced to either pay more to remain in their property or face eviction.
The aim of the move is to ease the pressure on social housing stocks, and Mr Shapps says it is a response to claims that current rules enable people on a high wage to remain in a property for the half the market rate.
A consultation on the document is likely to result in the suggestion that couples on a salary of £30,000 each pay around £70 a week more, while possible income caps of between £80,000 and £100,000 for council tenants are also reportedly being considered.
Since April, new tenants are no longer guaranteed a council house for life, and are also unable to pass it down to members of their families.
Locals authorities have also requested that households earning above £40,000 in total income lose their entitlement to a council home, with some tenancy agreements also lasting for a maximum of five years.
Posted by Staff Writer: Robin Stenson
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