Annual Rent and Service Charges FAQs - March 2025

Annual Rent and Service Charges Frequently Asked Questions

March 2025

Why is my rent going up? 

Following consultation with Cornwall Housing residents, the Council has decided to set its rents in line with the Government’s direction on social rents. This means there will be a rent increase of 2.7% (CPI at 1.7% + 1%).

Will my garage rent increase? 

Cornwall Council have increased garage rents by £3.50 per week. This means that Council tenants’ garage rent has increased from £13.12 to £16.62 per week.  

Non-Council tenants’ garage rents have increased from £18.20 to £22.40 per week (£16.62 plus £2.05 Supplement plus £3.73 VAT). 

How will this increase affect my Housing Benefit? 

If you are receiving Housing Benefit, you will automatically get your claims recalculated and you will receive a letter with your new entitlement in March. 

Please note some people may have recently moved from Housing Benefit to Universal Credit. Please check what you claim, as the increase will affect you differently. 

How will this increase affect my Universal Credit? 

If you receive Universal Credit, either paid directly to you or direct to Cornwall Council, you must update your online Universal Credit journal.  

This needs to be done on Monday 07 April 2025. The Universal Credit system cannot process the change in advance and any delays updating this may result in under or over payments, which will need to be corrected. 

Log into your Universal Credit account to update your Journal.

Read more information about other support available to you.

What happens if I pay my rent by Direct Debit? 

Anyone paying by direct debit will receive a letter in March with your new collection amounts and dates from April 2025. 

Will my service charges be increasing? 

Service charges are calculated based on actual spend by Cornwall Housing, so it is not affected by the Government rent increases. The majority of service charges are covered by Housing Benefit / Universal Credit. However, the following are not covered, as they are personal charges not communal. 

GAS – Individual gas for properties at Albion Court & Diana Close 

ELEC – Individual electric for properties at Polruan 

HWAT – Hostel personal water for properties at Polruan & Hendra Park 

OIL – Oil heating at Ponsmere Court & Clease Meadow 

SEWEMP – Sewerage Emptying at various sites

I am struggling to pay my rent, where can I get help? 

We are here to help. We know that this may be a difficult time, and we want to do what we can to support you. Our Inclusion Advisors can provide you with tenancy support and financial advice if you need it. They can also agree a personalised rent payment plan or direct you to other agencies who can help.

If you have any concerns about how this change may affect you, please contact us and ask to speak to our Inclusion Advisors or Rent Management team.

There are also some other useful contacts and information about support you can get here.