Two-Thirds of Hartlepool Borough Council's Tenants Rely on Benefits to Pay Rent..

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Council Figures Reveal Extent of Benefit Support for Housing Costs

Large Majority of Council Tenants Renting from Hartlepool Borough Council Now Depend on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to Pay their Rent Report Reveals...

12th March 2026

New figures contained within a Hartlepool Borough Council report reveal that around two-thirds of its council tenants now rely on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to help pay their rent.

The figures were revealed through the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan, which forms part of Hartlepool Borough Councils housing budget and financial planning documents.

According to the report, the majority of tenants now living in homes managed by Hartlepool Borough Council receive some level of financial support via the benefits system, highlighting the scale of reliance on welfare support within the borough’s social housing sector. Council officials note that approximately two-thirds of tenants reportedly have some or all of their rent covered by Housing Benefit or Universal Credit.

The information's been published as part of the council’s wider housing strategy, which outlines how rent levels, housing management and maintenance of council homes will be funded in the coming years.

Rent increase planned

It comes as the report also confirms Hartlepool Borough Council's proposing an eyewatering 4.8% rent increase for council homes as part of its Housing Revenue Account budget for the coming financial year.

Council officers say the increase is necessary to support the long-term financial sustainability of the housing service, helping to fund repairs and maintenance to council homes, housing management services & investment in energy efficiency and housing upgrades. The council states that because many tenants receive housing-related benefits, the full impact of any rent increase will not necessarily be felt by all households. However, for those tenants who do not receive housing support, any increase in rent could add further financial pressure during the ongoing cost of living challenges.

Social housing demand reportedly remains high, despite ongoing concerns regarding the operation of the disgraced choice based lettings scheme 'Hartlepool Homesearch', with the Teesside & Durham Post recently reporting that Hartlepool Borough Council now has the highest number of applicants being kicked off the scheme or disqualified across Teesside & County Durham.

The Housing Revenue Account report which is set to go before councillors next week forms part of the council’s broader financial planning and housing management strategy, which sets out how the council intends to manage its housing stock and meet future housing demand, however claims of the council only managing to 'break even' or make just modest profits has led to questions as to whether the entire housing stock needs to be brought under the management of an independent body, as the figures paint a picture of a local council seemingly unable to manage its property portfolio from application to eventually been handed the keys to a property. .