A new rent support fund has been launched to support social home renters in Westminster through the current cost-of-living crisis.
The fund, announced by the Council on Monday, will provide £1 million to tenants faced with financial pressures, with rents set to increase.
It comes after the Government confirmed that social housing rents will rise by 7% in April.
Councillor Liza Begum, Cabinet Member for Housing said: “We all know the terrible toll that the cost of living crisis is having on many households. But hearing the stories the people on our estates brings home the personal nature of what it means to be forced to go without every day essentials to make ends meet.
“Debts and money troubles can take an unbearable toll on families driven to impossible choices between heating or eating and deciding which bills to pay. The constant worry drives people to despair.
“This funding will give families a lifeline, providing support to cushion the upcoming rent rises and offering light at the end of the tunnel.”
The average rent for social housing is already significantly higher in the capital than the rest of the country, with Londoners last year paying a median of £430 monthly against a national median of £320.
Westminster Council also said that the aid was aimed predominantly at those who did not qualify Universal Credit or Housing benefits, although those who do will get the additional rebate as part of their benefit payments.
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