Rents for thousands of Black Country tenants will rise by an average of nearly seven per cent from March – almost twice the rate of inflation, it was revealed today.

Critics say it may push families “over the edge”.

The average increase of 6.93 per cent is due to be agreed by Wolverhampton City Council’s cabinet tonight. The increases will affect 23,500 households.

It is way above the Government’s preferred measure of inflation the Consumer Price Index, running at 3.7 per cent.

Tenants of two-bedroom houses will be worst hit. They will have to find an extra £5.48 each week — an increase of 8.2 per cent from £66.66 to £72.14.

A family in a four-bedroom property will see bills rise from £78.55 to £84.19 —  up £5.64 or 7.2 per cent.

Rents for one-bedroom homes go up 6.5 per cent, by £3.31 from £50.68 to £53.99.

Labour deputy leader Councillor Peter Bilson blamed government cuts for the rise, saying it was necessary to balance the books.

Liberal Democrat councillor Malcolm Gwinnett warned: “In these times of austerity, with fuel prices and the cost of living rising because of the VAT increase, this is a triple blow.

“This is going to push people living on the breadline over the edge.”

In Sandwell bosses have warned rent rises are almost certain.