COUNCIL house rents across Pembrokeshire looks likely to rise by around 4.5 per cent in April.

On Thursday (February 1) members of the county council’s services overview and scrutiny committee will be asked to endorse plans that would see rent prices increase by around £4 a week for a one-bedroom flat.

Those living in a five-bedroom property would see their rent go up by around £5 a week – based on 48 weekly payments.

A three per cent increase in garage rent is also recommended.

At present, Pembrokeshire has 4,707 council properties for which tenants pay less than the target figure set by Welsh Government (WAG).

Only 945 homes - 16.7 per cent of the council's property stock - currently meet this target.

The proposal to increase rents by 4.5 per cent, plus a 60p weekly levy, would help narrow the gap between county rent prices and those set out by WAG.

The move would also generate £198,870 more rent income in 2018-19.

Any decision made at Thursday’s meeting will go forward to Cabinet for approval.