Kelly counts the cost of rising rents (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Kelly counts the cost of rising rents

7:50am Friday 26th October 2012 in News

AFTER being priced out of the private rent market by rocketing prices, Kelly Arrowsmith set up her own blog to tell people of her struggle.

Set up in September, Kelly has used the blog to pass on her stories and expertise on motherhood and making ends meet.

“I do voluntary work for Halton Housing Trust and had noticed there were increasing amounts of people in my situation,” said the 25-year-old.

“I spoke to the National Housing Federation and they encouraged me to get my story out there.”

Kelly and boyfriend Gaz were renting a one-bedroom flat privately for £400 a month, but were priced out of the market when they came to look for a bigger home following the birth of their daughter Anna last year.

A two-bedroom property would have set the couple back between £475 and £550.

They are now renting a two-bedroom home on Hale Road, Ditton, from Halton Housing Trust for £340 a month.

Gaz works full time in a factory while Kelly has a part-time role as a customer support worker.

Kelly added: “We’re very happy where we are now, but it’s frustrating as working parents to be unable to afford places when people living alone on benefits appear to manage.

“I know a lot of people in the same boat, all holding down jobs but only able to afford social housing. The stereotypical image of people living in this accommodation seems far from the truth.”

The National Housing Federation’s latest report forecasts that private rent prices are set to rise by 36.92 per cent across the north west by 2020, compared to a 20.2 per cent rise in house prices.

Kelly’s blog can be found at notproper2012.wordpress.com.