MID Devon District Council is proposing an increase to council tenants’ rent after the budget meeting for the next year.

Tenants could face a rise of 6.7%, which would see the weekly average rent go up from £67.59 to £72.09.

Despite the council proposing a 6.4% rise, councillors opted for the higher level at a meeting last week.

The rise is the maximum the coun-cil can impose without exceeding the Housing Benefit Subsidy Limit, which would see a cut in the amount of housing benefit the council rec-eives from central government.

The council also approved flexible tenancies with all new tenants from April, 2012, being offered this introductory tenancy, which lasts a year.

Older people and those with lear-ning disabilities will still be offered secure tenancies.

Cllr Ray Stanley, cabinet member for housing services, said: “Social housing’s a valuable resource and we need to ensure that it’s available to those who need it most.

“The use of flexible tenancies will give the council more opportunity to meet the needs and demand in our area, and the new policy will help us make best use of our stock.

“This doesn’t affect our current tenants.

“I can confirm that the council will offer advice and assistance if we decide to seek possession of homes let on a flexible tenancy at the end of the fixed term.

“In these circumstances tenants will be given timely notice to enable them to seek and secure alternative accommodation.

“If tenants have financial concerns they should contact us for advice to maximise their income by ensuring they’re claiming everything to which they’re entitled.”

The final decision on the rent increase goes before the council on February 29.