Five million families in England face big social housing rent hike, warns thinktank

Resolution Foundation says biggest rise for decade of 4.1% will coincide with higher taxes, rising inflation and soaring energy bills

Almost 5 million families in social housing in England are facing the biggest rent hike for a decade from April amid a mounting cost of living squeeze, according to a report.

The Resolution Foundation thinktank said 4.75 million families would see rent on their local authority or housing association home rise by up to 4.1%, adding to the pressure on living costs by an average 202 extra a year.