UK households face council rent increase of £470 after 'mistake on contract'

The Lambeth residents in London warn they made a mistake on their contract and the local authority now says they have to pay extra, even though they're a disabled person on a low income.

A UK households who escaped homelessness face a council rent increase of £470. The Lambeth residents in London warn they made a mistake on their contract and the local authority now says they have to pay extra, even though they're a disabled person on a low income.

Writing to the Guardian newspaper, they said: I have been homeless for two years, living in temporary accommodation supplied by Lambeth council. Finally last month my dreams came true; I successfully bid for a council flat. The rent was advertised at £121.64 a week and I duly signed the contract and paid the first week in advance.

"However, a week later, my online account showed I was in arrears. I rang the council, which told me there had been a mistake and my rent was actually £130.69 a week. For a disabled person on a very low income, an extra £470 a year is a lot of money."

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They said: "I’m terrified of trying to fight the council because I’m on an introductory tenancy. In the words of my housing officer, “it’s very easy for the council to evict you”." They added: "The council’s stance is that my benefits will cover the higher rent. In fact, I’m not currently receiving the housing element of universal credit to which I’m entitled, because the rent on my contract differs from the sum on the council’s system."

The council told the paper: “Because of an IT glitch, [CPL] was provided with incorrect rent details, and we apologise for the frustration and inconvenience this has caused. As a result of this being brought to our attention, we have agreed to honour the agreed rent of £121.64 per week for the remainder of this financial year. The rent will be adjusted to reflect the correct amount from April 2025.”