Chelmer Housing hikes garage rents by 40%

On 1st April 2008, people who rent garages from Chelmer Housing Partnership (CHP) were presented with a new rental rate of £10 per week plus vat. This represents an astonishing increase of £3 a week plus vat - a 43% rise.

Many of these people are in Marconi ward. Their local Lib Dem Cllr Graham Pooley said, "It is beyond belief that CHP can charge non-tenant residents garage rent of £520 plus vat each, per annum. The brick built garages were valued circa £500 in 1982 under the 'right to buy', and have made a fortune in rent for CBC and now the CHP over the years.

"Even at today's values they require a minimum of maintenance and administration. Please contact the Lib Dem Marconi Ward support office on (01245) 358903, with your views. Then an appropriate response can be made by your Lib Dem Councillors."