COUNCIL house rents in Teesdale are likely to rise by an average of nearly four per cent in the coming year.

Teesdale District Council's social and environmental policy committee yesterday voted for the 3.92 per cent average increase after hearing the Government was demanding a reduction in the difference between council and registered social landlord's rents by 2012.

The rent convergence meant that council house rents were going to increase faster than inflation.

In addition, the value of some homes in the district had been reclassified.

Teesdale District Council's head of housing and the community, Peter Slack, said: "Properties in some of the more rural villages had been paying lower rents because they are not near amenities and that was seen as a hindrance.

"But these were properties in high-value areas. If the tenants exercise their right to buy they could realise a lot more for their asset."

The rent restructuring formula had been set by the Government.

However, rents are not allowed to increase by more than inflation plus 0.5 per cent, plus £2 in any year.