Wicklow Rent Increases Prompt Emergency Meeting Wicklow County Council Next Monday

Hundreds of concerned council tenants have contacted councillors about planned rent increase.

An emergency meeting of Wicklow County Council will take place next Monday, September 28th.  It follows contact from hundreds of council tenants to councillors about rent increase letters they've received.

The new rents are due to take effect in a matter of week, from October 3rd.

Sinn Féin councillor Warren O'Toole and TD John Ward, who have been among the most vocal, say they've been inundated with calls from worried tenants. Many report increases of between 50% and 100%, while claiming their household income has not changed since the last review.

Councillors from across the political spectrum have called for clarity. While aware a review was under way, but weren't prepared for the scale of the increases now emerging.

COUNCIL DEFENDS RENT INCREASES

The council is defending the new scheme, saying it's the first rent review since 2019. In a statement to East Coast FM last week, the council pointed out it is "not back dating any increases and has disregarded several income sources such as maintenance and carers allowance in the new rent scheme."  

Also adding "Our minimum rent of €30 per week is one of the lowest within Local authorities."

SINN FEIN COUNCILLORS WELCOME MEETING

Sinn Féin councillors formally requested the special meeting, with support from councillors across the county. Cathaoirleach Cllr Caroline Winstanley has confirmed it will go ahead, and has herself raised particular concern for vulnerable tenants. Cllr Winstanley has asked for a detailed analysis of the rent changes before Monday's meeting.

An online Sinn Féin petition against the increases has already gathered almost 1,200 signatures. A protest is planned outside Wicklow County Council buildings on September 28th at 9.30am, in advance of the meeting at 10am.