HOUSING chiefs yesterday gave the go-ahead for council rents in Bolton to go up by an average £1.26 a week from April 3.

This is a 3.8pc increase and will bring the average rent up to around £32 a week.

Tenants are to be asked whether they want two "rent-free" weeks at Christmas.

Rents are paid over 48 weeks and presently the "free" weeks are spread over April, June, September and December. But council chiefs are considering changing the September week to an extra week at Christmas.

Cllr Brian Iddon, housing committee chairman, said: "The indications are so far that the tenants are pleased with this arrangements, but there will be consultation with tenants' associations."

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