Government housing tenants opposed to planned rent increases.

The premier voiced her concern after tenants marched on Parliament to lobby political leaders yesterday afternoon.

About 15 tenants marched from the Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters through the streets of Hamilton armed with placards bearing slogans such as "Tell me why our rent is so high?'' and "Stop these out of control rents now''.

Outside the House of Assembly they met with Premier Pamela Gordon and opposition leader Jennifer Smith to express their concerns.

Government Housing Tenants Council spokesman Lou Matthews then presented a petition to the Premier.

"We have come here to this place today to bring to your attention our call for safe, decent and affordable housing for all Bermudians,'' Mr. Matthews said.

"For too long we have laboured under unacceptable housing conditions in this country, fuelled by inadequate or non-existent housing policy and extreme market conditions.

"By most international standards affordable rents should not exceed 25 -- 30 percent of one's income. Yet it not uncommon in Bermuda for persons like us to pay rents in excess of 40 -- 50 percent of income.

"Perhaps some think this is okay and don't understand all the fuss. Some accept it because it has existed for so long. Perhaps they are not aware of the growing number of hard working families in this country who are becoming more and more burdened paying excessively high rents while performing the balancing acts of raising their families and trying to make ends meet.'' The tenants' council is already conducting talks with housing officers and has managed to get the latest rent increases, which should have come into effect last month, postponed while the talks continue. The latest hikes represent a rise of up to 15 percent on some properties.

"Following the demonstration Premier Pamela Gordon told residents that she sympathised with their plight.

"We recognise that the point you are making is a very valid one,'' she said.

"It was my understanding that the minister had been meeting with groups and we have to pull together to look into this. We are looking into the matter and what we will be doing is having the result of this whole investigation made available. You will be hearing back from us shortly.'' PETITION -- Tenants spokesman Lou Matthews hands Premier Pamela Gordon a petition from angry residents outside the House of Assembly.

GOVERNMENT GVT