COUNCIL house rents in Pendle look set to rise by 2.4 per cent this year.

The increase would raise £187,000 towards a £270,000 deficit in the council's housing revenue account that has to be found in order to keep services at the same level.

The rise would mean rent for a bedsit flat in Valley Gardens, Earby, would rise from £19.44 a week to £19.91; a one-bedroom flat in Vine Street, Brierfield, would rise from £32.41 to £33.19; a two bedroom house in Pinfold Place, Nelson, would cost £41.14 instead of £40.18; and a three bedroom house in Red Lane, Colne, would rise from £60.92 to £62.38.

Garage rents and charges for private homes on the warden alarm system are set to go up by three per cent.

Housing rent increases will be decided by Pendle Council's services committee on Tuesday to give enough time for tenants to be informed before they come into effect in April.

The rises are recommended for approval by the authority's management team of senior councillors and officers.

The 2.4 per cent increase is the most Pendle can introduce without incurring a subsidy penalty from the Government.

Out of the 12 local authorities in Lancashire, Pendle's average rent of £36.99 is the fifth lowest.

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