Rising rents and a 4.9 per cent council tax hike are stretching household budgets across Derby leaving many families and individuals struggling.
The council tax increase approved in February 2026, come as the city faces a growing shortage of affordable social housing for local families.
Many residents in Band A and B properties must pay an additional £60.22 a year.
David Cavan of Chaddesden, explained the council text increase means he is forced to choose between heating or a full shop.
The 62-year-old: “When you are on a fixed income, every pound feels like a blow to your pocket.”
However, Properties in Band C to H face a higher increase due to the capital value of these properties.
For Aleida Cox who is living in a Band D property, the financial pressure of staying in her home city is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.
Cox said: “I’ve lived in Derby my whole life, but I’m reaching a point where I feel priced out of my own city.”
Cox has rented her property for the past 3 years but is now looking to move into a lower rental property.
“Every time a halfway decent flat comes on the market, there are 30 people queuing for a viewing before the lunch break.”
Community volunteers state the current housing shortage allows the private market to charge high rents even when tenants worry if they should complain about maintenance.
Amina, a healthcare worker said: “It used to be just those on the edge, but now it’s people who have full-time jobs but cannot cover deposits.”
Graduates are also feeling the impact, with many forced to remain in childhood bedrooms because deposit requirements for rental properties are too high.
A former student from the University of Derby, believes the dream of home ownership in the city centre currently feels distant and impossible.
He said: “I want to stay in Derby, but I do not want to be living in my childhood bedroom when I am 30.”
Local leaders must now address rental concerns as more people find themselves unable to afford the basic cost of living in Derby.
