RENT in the south east of England, including in Basingstoke and Deane, has seen an increase above the wages of people in the area.

According to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released on June 9 in study by union GMB, the median rent for a two-bedroom flat in the whole of the south east of England is £875 a month, an increase of 25 per cent in 2011-2018.

The percentage change in monthly earnings from 2011-2018 was an increase of just 8.1 per cent.

While Basingstoke and Deane matches the median rent of £875 a month, the gap between the average increase in rent and is closer.

However, the wages increased by 13.6 per cent, whereas the increase in rent was 16.7 per cent, making the wages 3.1 per cent behind the increase in rent.

Councillor Paul Harvey, Basingstoke Labour Group leader said: “This is a continuing trend which is increasingly difficult, and it relates to the provision of affordable housing.

“Not enough affordable housing has been built, and there isn’t enough that people can genuinely afford, which makes you wonder who it is being built for. It is a massive issue across the borough.”

He added: “People want to afford to live in the town, but if the wages don’t increase, then we can’t be surprised if people don’t move here.”

Committee member for housing and families, Cllr Tristan Robinson, said: “Increasing housing costs will be a challenge for many families across the borough. That’s why I’m proud of the work we are doing as a Council to build more affordable homes and help people into low-cost home ownership. “

“Last year we built 415 affordable homes (over 30 per cent higher than our target) and we expect this trend to continue this year.

“We also recognise our residents have an aspiration to own their own home, which is why we are bringing forward exciting new plans and ideas to increase access to low cost home ownership.”