Neath Port Talbot council unconcerned about inflation-busting rent rise

A Liberal Democrat motion deprecating the 6% (8.4% when water rates are taken into account) rise in rents for NPT Homes Ltd was voted down by Neath Port Talbot council at its meeting today. Contrasting the rise to be paid by our former tenants with the lower increases in Swansea and Carmarthenshire, and the Welsh Assembly Government's guideline of 4.95% for 2011/2012, Councillors Frank Little and Keith Davies attempted to raise the question of promises of lower increases made by supporters of stock transfer during the campaign, but were ruled out of order by the chair.

Labour members voted solidly against the motion, with the support of most of the Nationalist group . Four councillors who are on the board of NPT Homes Ltd had declared an interest and left the chamber. There was support from some independents and a minority of Plaid Cymru councillors.

The motion:

That this council expresses its concern at the high level of rent increase imposed on our former tenants by NPT Homes.

Signed:

F.H.Little

Seconded:

D.K.Davies