Rent increase planned for Essex council homes next year
Proposed rise means tenants face a £20 monthly increase for smaller homes
Council tenants in some Essex towns could see their rents rise by almost £20 a month for smaller homes.
Basildon Borough Council is proposing a 4.8 per cent rise in rents from April next year, but there will also be some savings with service charges. The council has unveiled the proposed costs in its budget for the next financial year. The proposed rent rises mean a one-bedroom home would pay an extra £18.36 each month, and a two home would see an increase of £21.52. There will also be increases for three, four and five-bedroom properties.
The council documents state the rents are “dedicated” to maintaining and “improving” council homes, delivering landlord services, and “supporting investment” in new housing. The council owns around 10,700 homes across the borough.
The budget also includes a council tax freeze, which, according to the papers, means the Band D charge for 2026/27 will remain at £304.56.
Council-owned flats will see a rise in the weekly cleaning charge to £2.70 from £2.60, but the average weekly block lighting charge is £1.97, down from £2.63. Sheltered housing will see an average weekly charge of £32.47, down from £33.39.
It comes as the council continues to build new council and social housing across the borough. It recently announced plans for 48 homes in Bursted, near Billericay.
The council’s budget document states: “By championing our priorities, managing resources responsibly, and pursuing ambitious programmes of work, we aim to expand opportunity, prosperity, and pride across the borough. Our approach is grounded in collaboration, empathy, and a commitment to putting residents at the centre of everything we do. Through strategic planning and sound financial stewardship, we will work tirelessly to improve wellbeing and create a place where everyone can thrive.”