Shadow Housing Minister Mr. Nelson Bascome will tackle Government's rent-hike plan in the House of Assembly today.

Mr. Bascome told The Royal Gazette he has received complaints from Bermuda Housing Corporation tenants Island-wide who were very concerned about the planned increases.

Housing Minister the Hon. Quinton Edness last week disclosed that tenants would face across-the-board rent increases from August 1 over the next three years to bring the prices of Government houses up to market level.

But tenants have accused Government of defeating the purpose of building the low-cost houses and of going back on its word.

And Mr. Bascome, who accused Mr. Edness of trying to preempt his questions by making the announcement in the House last week, said he will bring up the issue again during the questions period today.

He said he hoped Mr. Edness would reconsider the move to increase rents.

"My supplementary questions will deal with complaints that I have received,'' Mr. Bascome added.

"Hopefully, the questions will be enough to have the Minister do a rethink or change the (BHC) policy.'' "People have been calling me from all over the Island. They are very concerned,'' Mr. Bascome said, adding that he has also received several complaints from other MPs on behalf of their constituents.

Mr. Bascome said in the past when the BHC increased rents, tenants formed tenant associations in the affected areas.

"I'm advocating that they be put back in place, so that tenants have some rights'' he said.

Concerning accusations that Government was forcing tenants who did not wish to buy the prefabricated homes to move despite a promise that this would not be done, Mr. Bascome said: "I think we've had a change at the top and a policy shift. Quite a number of people still have letters from the Housing Corporation (promising them security) and should hold Government accountable.'' Tenants were expected to meet with housing officials last night in Pembroke to thrash out the issue.

One tenant, who has lived in a three-bedroom old Bermuda home purchased by Government, yesterday told The Royal Gazette that he recently received a letter informing him that his rent will be increased by $263 from August 1.

The 57-year-old -- who works at the US Naval Base -- said: "I currently pay $650. But it is an old home. My wife and I have been living here since 1965 when it was owned by Crown Land.

"I understand that it has to be increased. But by $263 in one year?'' The distraught tenant also noted that he will be jobless in September when the Base closes.

He said he had inquired about buying the house, but the price -- $237,000 -- was too high.

St. George's North MP Ms Jennifer Smith yesterday said she has received complaints from that tenant and many others over the issue.

"Government tenants all over the Island are complaining,'' she said. "I've had letters from many people and I've passed it on to the Shadow (Housing) Minister who is compiling them.'' She said it was unfair for Government to raise rents without making any repairs to the premises.