COUNCIL house rents in Southend are set to rise by five per cent next year, provided cabinet members approve a recommendation from borough treasurer David Andrews.

Although the housing stock is now administered and maintained by a new management organisation, South Essex Homes, rent levels are set by the council.

They are collected by the management group, which then carries out necessary repairs and maintenance.

Mr Andrews said: "Effectively, it is the Government which is now setting the council tax, as it imposes a formula on the council."

Published Tuesday, February 7, 2006