SWINDON Council's rent rise for its council houses is set to be below the national average.
The average increase is proposed 4.68 per cent, which is less than the national average of 5.57 per cent. It will work out at about £2.41 extra per week on the average rent of £47.60.
The director of housing, Bernie Brannan, said: "This is the minimum increase we can apply to meet our rent restructuring target."
Swindon says it still has one of the lowest rents in the south, and is to spend £16m on housing repairs and improvements.
Coun Andy Albinson, lead member for housing, said: "Our proposed increase is below the national average and with improving housing services this is good news for tenants."
The council will decide on the housing budget rent levels for 2004-5 at its meeting on February 12.
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