A 4.8% rent increase for council homes in Hartlepool has moved a step closer.

Councillors at the latest meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council finance and corporate affairs committee unanimously supported the rise for the 355 properties currently part of the local authority’s housing revenue account (HRA).

Around two thirds of tenants would have all or part of their rent increase funded by the Government.

The proposed 4.8% increase for 2026-27 is the maximum allowable under current national policy, which gives permission for rents to increase by up to 1% plus inflation.

Hartlepool Borough Council is proposing to increase council home rents by 4.8%.

placeholder image — Hartlepool Borough Council is proposing to increase council home rents by 4.8%.

The matter will now go before a full council meeting on Thursday, February 19, for a final decision from councillors on if the rise will be implemented.

A report from council officers states without the proposed rent increase “the HRA budget becomes unsustainable and would go into deficit”.

It adds the increase would help fund measures being introduced to address national legislation changes around carrying out repairs, improving energy efficiency and tackling damp and mould.

Officers noted the rise would “likely be in line with other social housing providers operating in Hartlepool”.

Councillor Karen Oliver, chair of the housing, growth and communities committee, said: “Housing is a key thing for us to get right. I think Hartlepool and the HRA punches above its weight massively.

“My view is to agree the increase, it is on par with what’s happening nationally and I think we’ve got to invest to grow.”

Last year rents increased by 2.7%, the maximum allowed at the time.