With 28% of Somer tenants in arrears on their rent, Bath MP Don Foster has expressed concern that the planned average rent increase of nearly 7.5% (7.34%) could lead to a further steep rise in tenants in financial difficulty.

At a meeting on Monday with Angela Gascoigne, Managing Director at Somer Housing, Don recommended that Somer investigated ways of phasing the rent increase over two years.

Don said, “Many tenants will find it hard to cope, especially in the current climate, with such a huge rent rise. I understand that rents have to go up above inflation to meet government targets. But with inflation now falling, spreading the increase over two years should enable Somer to meet its targets and make it easier for tenants. 

Of course this is a tough decision with lots of conditions that need to be factored in, but it is my belief that a two year plan of manageable rises is much more appropriate than a huge hike this year.