GMHP statement on the rent cap consultation

In the knowledge that rents in 2023/24 could have surpassed 10% due to current inflation levels, the 24 housing providers within the Greater Manchester Housing Providers partnership have been working together to consider rents and service charges for next year and beyond, and the impact this will have on our residents and our ability to deliver vital services.

On top of soaring inflation, we are very concerned about untenable hikes in energy costs for everyone, and particularly for heating systems not covered by the price cap. We have also been working together with our local partners on plans to further support the many people facing hardship due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Yesterday, the Government set out a consultation paper asking providers and residents to comment on a rent increase ceiling of 3%, 5% or 7% for 2023/24, and we welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues further and provide a joint response. In the next few weeks GMHP partners will work collectively to consider:

• the impact on our residents
• the views from the NHF, LGA, GMCA and Local Authorities and other partners
• the impact on our business plans and any common issues around our ability to provide vital services
• the long-term consequences for decarbonising and investing in our homes and building much needed new homes
• specialist and supported rents
• service charges against a backdrop of exponential energy price increases and soaring costs
• alternative proposals

This is such a difficult time and there will be hard choices ahead, but we will collaborate on our response in the best interests of our residents across the city region, our ability to deliver services, and to continue investing in homes and neighbourhoods.

Charlie Norman, GMHP Chair