THOUSANDS of council tenants who were facing a 6.2 per cent rent increase under a Government scheme will now only pay half of that.

Durham County Council has approved rises for the homes it owns in Durham City, Easington and Wear Valley.

Tenants were facing a 6.2 per cent increase – inflation is currently 2.9 per cent – because the Government wanted to increase council rents to a level similar to those charged by housing associations, which have traditionally been higher.

But it backed down after protests that included representations by Durham County Council’s Labour leader, Simon Henig. Average rents will rise by 3.01 per cent in Durham, by 2.77 per cent in Easington and by 2.92 per cent in Wear Valley.

For example, a two-bedroomed house will cost an average weekly rent of £54.97 in Durham, up £2.96, £53.85 in Easington, up £2.91, and £54.47 in Wear Valley, up £2.85.

A three-bedroomed house will cost £60.60 a week in Durham, up £2.99, £57.93 in Easington, up £2.91, and £57.71 in Wear Valley, up £3.13.

The decision will not affect former council tenants in other areas, such as Chesterle- Street and Derwentside, who voted for their homes to be taken out of council ownership and control.

Announcing the move, treasurer Stuart Crowe told yesterday’s full council meeting: “For once, I am able to bring some good news to council rather than the usual grim messages.”

Lib Dem councillor Dennis Southwell told the meeting that Councillor Henig had raised the matter with ministers after he had raised it with the leadership.

He said: “Congratulations on a job well done, but as a matter of clarification it was myself who brought it to the attention of the authority.”