PROTESTERS gathered outside Hove Town Hall to urge the council to adopt an affordable rent policy.

A petition calling for Brighton and Hove City Council to adopt the ‘living rent’ policy has been signed by 2,500 people and was shown to councillors last night.

The campaign argues spiralling private rents are blighting lives – with some spending two-thirds of their wages on rent, meaning they are struggling to feed their families.

David Gibson, Living Rent Campaign co-ordinator, said: “We are asking the council to develop an ethical landlord scheme with fairer rents and a good standard of property maintenance enforced by a licensing scheme for private landlords.

“Tenants tell us they are too frightened to ask for much-needed repairs in case landlords put their rent up or use this as an excuse to evict them. They tell us horrendous stories but are too scared to talk to the media.”

A report has found that 72% of city residents cannot afford to rent or buy without help, with house prices 44% above the national average.

The protest was mounted before the full council meeting yesterday afternoon.

Other protests staged outside Hove Town Hall included one by the Brighton and Hove Palestinian Campaign.