PRIVATE renters in Bolton fork out more than £200 extra per month on average to keep a roof over their heads compared to those in social homes, figures show.

Housing campaigners have slammed the Government for not doing more to support renters in its Budget after the Chancellor announced additional help for home buyers.

They say building more social homes is the best solution to thousands of tenants across the country having their bank balances “bled dry by expensive private rents”.

The average weekly rent for a social home in Bolton was £76 in March last year, Regulator of Social Housing figures show – about £331 per month.

But Office for National Statistics data shows the average private rent in the area was £583 – around £252 more expensive.

Social housing is provided by housing associations or councils, and rent is pegged to local incomes. The RSH figures are net rent, which excludes service charges. The average social renter across the North West was set back £80 per week – around £348 a month – while a private renter faced a bill of £629. The chancellor has faced criticism for what some saw as a lack of support for struggling renters.