Rent arrears may rise as survey ‘shows prime minister was wrong’

David Cameron's recent claim that private rents are falling across the country has been challenged by Inside Housing.

Findings from the publication suggested that many tenants could still need debt help if they get into rent arrears, as comments made from the prime minister last month were shown to be inaccurate.

Mr Cameron told parliament on January 11th that rents have been reduced by private landlords in return for direct payment of local housing allowance, but the research found no evidence to back up his claim.

Inside Housing asked every council in England to supply information about private rents. Of the 204 authorities that responded, only 36 reported any rent reductions.

Jack Dromey, Labour's shadow housing minister, said the research "explodes the myth that rents are falling".

He added: "The stark figures expose the truth; rents are rising almost everywhere."

According to recent research from Halifax, renting a home in the UK is more than £100 a month more expensive than buying a property.

Posted by Paul Thacker