BEACH hut owners and chalet tenants were told today that if they form an association their views will be listened to when rents are reviewed next year.

Owners and tenants are furious at this year’s proposed increases of 12% for the 900-plus huts and 20% for the 77 chalets.

The association steering group has carried out research to see what other coastal authorities charge for huts and chalets and discovered Suffolk Coastal’s prices are far more expensive than many others.

Leader of Suffolk Coastal, Ray Herring said: “The real fact remains the same – that this council has a duty to be as efficient and business like as possible to ensure value for money for all our communities.

“It remains the case that we firmly believe that we are justified raising our prices closer to the market value as it will help ensure our council taxpayers see a fair return for council facilities.

“However, we will review our prices and listen to the views of the new association when we look at what to charge for 2014/15, and we make sure they are getting value for money from their licence charges.”

He also wanted to ensure owners and tenants are getting the quality of service they are entitled to and the proposed new association could have an important role in making sure that is happening.

The steering group met with Mr Herring and council officials to discuss the rent rises and answers to questions have been placed on the council website www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk/yourfreetime/tics/beachhuts

The council has agreed to extend its pay by instalment option to four quarters, rather than four months, allowing licence holders to spread their payments over a longer period. The administration fee has also been halved to £10.