Under Housing Minister John Healey's proposals, rents for 2010-11 would remain affordable and well below market levels in what are continuing difficult times - with rent levels suggested at 3.1 per cent rather than the 6.1 per cent previously agreed with local authorities. In addition, the Government will increase benefits for disabled people and carers, statutory payments for parents and others who receive National Insurance linked benefits by 1.5 per cent from April 2010.