SHAC is calling a protest at 12 noon on Saturday 9th April outside the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities, Fry Building, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF (map). The nearest tubes are Westminster, Pimlico, and Victoria.
Time to End the Rent and Service Charge Rip-Off
Housing associations have a collective surplus of over £4 billion. There is no need for them to raise rents or hike up service charges.
In 2016, government instructed social housing providers to cut rents over a four-year period. The directive was implemented via the Regulator of Social Housing. Despite the reduction in rental income, some associations still managed to increase surpluses, and none got into any financial difficulty as a result of the rent cut.
By contrast, tenants and residents are feeling the squeeze. SHAC’s rent survey revealed almost one quarter of respondents could not afford the rent rises being inflicted on them from April 2022. Around 85% will experience negative financial impact and will face cutting back on other essentials.
“I have recently received a new rent and service charge letter from my landlord Clarion Housing. The increase will contribute to a dramatic shift in my current living costs especially when combined with an increase in energy bills, council tax and other household bills.”
Wendy, Clarion tenant
If government did it before, it can do it again. SHAC is demanding that they instruct social housing providers to cut the rents and end rip-off service charging. Please join the protest.
Local Action
Tenants and residents can also get support from SHAC to leaflet their local estate. Email shac.action@gmail.com with your address and the quantity of leaflets you would like.
If you would like to organise a local protest or demo outside your landlord’s offices, please also let SHAC know. We can provide leaflets, publicity and will mobilise support.
23 March 2022
See also:
- Saturday 9th April Facebook event
- SHAC on the ‘Cut the Rents ~ End Rip-Off Service Charging’ campaign
- The Resolution Foundation on social rents rises
- SHAC Report on Service Charge Abuse
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