From April 2023, Manchester City Council (MCC) is increasing rent for most of our customers by 11.1% for
2023/24.
MCC made the decision to increase PFI rents in line with government guidance. This decision was not taken lightly, and the Council remains committed to supporting residents and investing in our communities. When setting rent amounts, we have to consider the balance between meeting budgets whilst ensuring we meet the rising cost of maintaining homes, delivering services and investing in properties.
Residents who are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit will have the rent increase covered by their benefits. If you are struggling with the rent increase or cost of living, we can provide advice and help through our Financial Inclusion Team. Manchester City Council has also made available a housing support fund to help any residents who are struggling, and this should help mitigate the impact of the increase.
For more information, advice and support, please send a WhatsApp message, send an email to info@s4bmanchester.co.uk or give us a call on 0300 555 0128 and ask to speak to a member of the Financial Inclusion Team.
If you would prefer to talk to someone in person, please call into the S4B housing office, open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm, to speak to a member of the team.
You can also contact Manchester’s cost of living advice line which is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm. Telephone 0800 023 2692, text 07860 022 876 or visit manchester.gov.uk/coladvice.
You can also check out the Government’s Help for Households campaign to see what you may be eligible for.
If you claim Universal Credit, once your rent has changed, you will need to get in contact with the Department for Work & Pensions via their online portal. It is important that you don’t do this until your rent has actually changed to make sure there are no issues with receiving your benefits.
If you need help doing this, please get in touch with our Income Team. If you do not manage your Universal Credit via the online portal, then you will need to contact the DWP by phoning the helpline
on 0800 328 5644.