Private renters pay a high price to keep a roof over their heads

Private rents in South Tyneside have risen by eight per cent over the last year.

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Data from the Office for National Statistics show the average private rent in the borough reached £695 a month in the year to September-up from £641 a year prior. It was also up by 33% from £523 per month five years ago.

In the North East, the average rent was £750-a nine per cent rise on the year before.