Council rents are set to rise by four per cent, amounting to an average additional cost of £3.67 a week.

The increase, which comes into effect on April 6, will see tenant service charges rise by an average of 5.8 per cent.

Meanwhile, communal heating and hot water charges will also be subject to an in line with inflation increase of 1.2 per cent and weekly garage rents rise from £11.00 to £12.00.

Cabinet approved the rises, which it says will support its housing investment programme aiming to bring homes up to a decent standard, on Monday night.

Cllr Saima Ashraf, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, said: “The decision to increase council rents has not been taken lightly or without the full understanding and support of our tenants.

“Tenants were consulted and it was important that they understood our funding priorities in these financially challenging times and how they impact on the levels of rent and service charges.

“They agreed that an increase is vital if we are to maintain the levels of investment in our housing stock.”