Cambridge council tenants had some pre-Christmas cheer – planned rent rises for this year were halved thanks to measures announced in the Chancellor’s pre-budget report. The guideline rent increase of 6.2% which had been agreed with local councils has been reduced by the government to 3.1% - the second year running when planned increases have been reduced.

Cambridge Labour Parliamentary spokesperson Daniel Zeichner says that Labour’s action is in marked contrast to threats from the Conservatives to more than double council house and housing association rents:

“News that council rents are to be kept down again this year is very welcome. Lower rents will mean increased spending power for people who are likely to spend their money locally. This is good for local businesses and is another part of Labour’s plan to ensure economic recovery. The Conservatives are suggesting that rents should more than double . That is not only unjust – the knock-on effects would cause real damage to the local economy as well.”