Written by: Linda

Published on:

Categories: S4B

The rent increase for 2026/7 is 4.8% in line with the Government Rent Standard which allows rent increases of Consumer Price Index (CPI) +1%. Letters have been issued to all households affected by the increase, explaining in more detail what the new rent will be.

Rent Free Week
As week commencing 6th April is a rent free week for those with a clear rent account, the rent increase is applied as from week commencing Monday 13th April 2026.

Universal Credit
If you receive Universal Credit Housing Element, you will need to add an entry by updating your online journal on the 13th April 2026, with the new rent details. If you don’t have an online claim, you can call Universal Credit on 0800 328 5644 to update them.

Housing Benefit
If you receive Housing Benefit, you do not need to do anything about the rent increase, you will have been advised of the new rent figure in the recent letter.  

Manchester City Council – Crisis and Resilience Fund

The current Household Support Fund is due to end on 31 March 2026. The government has announced plans to introduce a new Crisis and Resilience Fund from April 2026.

The new fund is intended to:

  • Offer short‑term crisis support to people on low incomes
  • Help with unexpected financial pressures, such as household emergencies, loss of income, or utility costs
  • Provide councils with funding to support crisis assistance, housing‑related help, and work with partner organisations
  • Help residents become more financially resilient
  • By focusing on recovery and stability, the fund aims to reduce the risk of repeat crises, helping residents build greater financial security and cope better with future shocks

More details here – Household Support Fund | Manchester City Council

Community Living Fund

If you need help with the cost-of-living S4B can also help with money advice and you can apply to the Community Living Fund for help with the costs of rent, energy bills or emergency help.  Please get in touch if you wish to apply – we are here to help. 

Send a WhatsApp message to 07418 367 396, email info@s4bmanchester.co.uk, visit the S4B housing office, or give us a call on 0300 555 0128.