THURROCK councillors fear residents will be hit hard by a 7.7 per cent increase in council rents.

Councils are allowed to increase rents by inflation at 6.7 per cent plus 1 per cent and the debt-laden borough plans to charge the maximum during 2024/25 in order to "maintain its housing stock to a decent standard".

The increases, which include a 7.7 per cent increase in service charges, will net the council an extra £4.425million, including a £1.5million surplus, which will be added to the housing revenue account reserves.

Speaking at a housing overview and scrutiny committee meeting on Tuesday, Neil Speight, Independent councillor for Stanford-le-Hope West, said: “I’m fundamentally against this increase and I will not be supporting it. I don’t feel comfortable charging our tenants an above inflation increase. Inflation at the moment is around three per cent and we are more than doubling it for them. I just think it’s grossly unfair.”

Mr Speight added: “It’s issues with health for example. I get the phone call from the woman who says "I can’t afford to pay my council rent. I’m at the end of my tether. I feel like killing myself”. Her mental health and wellbeing is damaged by what we do. It’s an impossible juggling act largely down to the incompetence of what’s gone on in the council.”

Maureen Pearce, Conservative councillor for Aveley and Uplands, added: “This rise in the rent concerns me. I think it’s a bit over the top. What with council tax going up and everything else it’s just hit the cost of living overall. That concerns me. It’s pretty unfair. It’s so worrying.

Councillors called for assurances the rent increases would be spent on maintain the council’s housing stock to a decent standard. They were told the increase in rents will help to make sure things like the Blackshots tower block replacement scheme can be done.

James Halden chairman called for the full minutes of councillors’ discussions be forwarded to the cabinet to ensure their concerns were noted.

If approved by cabinet and council, rental on a two bedroom home will increase from £90.99 a week to £97.99 for tenants already hit with sharp rises in the cost of living.

Garage rent for council residents are also set to rise from £12.10 per week to £15.00. Rental for travellers sites will also increase from £95.28 to £100.