INFLATION-BUSTING rises in council house rent have been revealed by Welwyn Hatfield Council.

The 7.56 per cent hikes will take effect in April, and tenants will be told their new weekly rate in February.

The council blamed the rise on central government rules which they must follow and said it was “unavoidable”.

A spokesman said: “For every �1 paid by council tenants only around 58 pence is spent on services in Welwyn Hatfield.

“The rest of the money – �17.3m – has to be returned to the Government.”

Councillor Roger Trigg, executive member for housing, said: “It is unfortunate that more of the rental income cannot be spent on local housing services, but we will continue to seek efficiencies so that we can deliver the highest quality services possible.”

He added: “We are looking forward to new Government proposals which should allow greater freedom in rent setting.”

Dennis Hedges, who is a member of Welwyn Hatfield Tenants’ Panel, said: “Unfortunately we can’t do anything about it because it is Government controlled.

“Obviously we don’t like any increase, but unfortunately it’s dictated by the Government.”