The rent increases come as cuts to local housing allowance (LHA) are phased in from next month, amid warnings that a combination of rising rents and reduced allowances will see poorer families priced out.
New figures reveal a 22% increase in the number of fast-track evictions – known as "accelerated possessions" – between 2010 and 2011. It is thought the rise is largely down to landlords taking advantage of being able to re-let their properties at a higher rent.
From next month, an increasing number of poorer families are expected to seek alternative accommodation when reductions to LHA – the amount benefit claimants receive from councils towards the cost of their rent – will mean they cannot afford to stay in their homes. Future payments will be matched to the rents of the cheapest third of properties; previously they were based on the local average.
Click here to read the whole story Families face fast-track eviction to help landlords cash in on higher rents
