COUNCIL tenants in Fenland will be receiving letters detailing their rent increases this week and there will be a chance to win cash prizes of £200 or £300. All tenants will receive letters detailing rents payable on their properties, even if they are in

COUNCIL tenants in Fenland will be receiving letters detailing their rent increases this week and there will be a chance to win cash prizes of £200 or £300.All tenants will receive letters detailing rents payable on their properties, even if they are in receipt of Housing Benefit.However, the council's benefit team will be advised of the rent increases and so tenants already in receipt of Housing Benefit do not need to take any action. An additional letter will be sent to those tenants advising them of their Housing Benefit entitlement.Rent cards will be sent out at the end of March to all tenants, even if the total rent is paid by Housing Benefit. The rent cards give details of rent payable. If the tenant is entitled to Housing Benefit this WILL NOT be shown on the rent card. If a tenant does not receive a rent card or it is lost, rent can still paid at any Fenland @ your service shop and a new card can be requested.All tenants who have rent arrears MUST continue to make full payments during the non-collection weeks.Councillor Kit Owen, portfolio holder for housing, said the council had tried to keep down the level of the annual rent increase."However, because the Government has changed the rent formula, the average rent increase of 3.2 per cent or £1.86, the council was prepared to charge for 2006/07, will instead be an average of 5.07 per cent - equal to an average increase of £2.95 a week on a 48-week basis. Any benefit entitlement, if applicable, could reduce that sum significantly," he added.For all enquiries including rent arrears and rent increases call 01354 654321.