PEOPLE living in public sector housing in Wiltshire are likely to face a 2.7 per cent rent rise from April this year, or between £2-£2.50 a week for the average home.

At the last Wiltshire Council cabinet meeting, council bosses rubberstamped proposals to increase rent on council housing.

Under the changes, those living in a two-bedroom property would see an average increase from £86.88 to £89.25, while those in a three-bedroom home would see their rent rise from £94.53 to £97.08.

Cllr Richard Clewer, cabinet member for housing, said: “This will allow us to develop our ambitious investment plans for those who rent their home from the council.

“Over the last five years the income we receive has gone down whilst the cost of services has gone up.

“This modest increase will ensure that services and investment is maintained.”

This is the first year since 2016 that rent setting will revert to increasing above the rate of inflation.

The rent increases still need to be approved by the full council later this month.