Council HRA budget set to invest £4m into council homes

The Housing Revenue Account budget is set to be confirmed at the Council meeting on Thursday 24 February will maintain the Council’s commitment to delivering outstanding council homes and landlord services and will release £4m investment into new and existing homes.

Investment in existing homes will include updating kitchens and bathrooms, replacing windows and doors, fitting aids and adaptations where needed to make homes more accessible and a significant investment in works to continue to ensure that council housing is as safe as possible

As part of this investment decision, Melton Borough Council will also consider a rent and service charge increase for council tenants. 

The 4.1% increase is in line with Government guidance and is in response to inflationary pressures, it will enable the council to deliver its commitments as a landlord, whilst also remaining resilient to the rising costs in this sector.

Councillor Browne, Portfolio Holder for Council Homes and Landlord Services said:

“Delivering outstanding council homes and landlord services is one of our top priorities at Melton Borough Council. The proposed rent increase is necessary to enable us to deliver our landlord services, allowing us to maintain and improve tenants’ homes. We have listened to tenants’ concerns about increased costs of living and value the views and feedback received. We will not increase the Intensive Housing Management charge this year, will carry out a full review of this service and consult upon future service charges. In addition, we will develop a package of proactive support and advice for all tenants including in relation to rising energy costs”

Additionally, the Council has carried out a survey of the condition of its housing stock and is currently developing its long-term housing business plan, which will be considered for approval in April 2022. The business plan will reflect the continued focus on the Council’s responsibilities as a landlord for health and safety, whilst also setting out the prioritisation and investment in council homes over the next 30 years.

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Notes for editor:

• There is a statutory notification period of 28 days prior to a rent increase for all tenants which the Council will ensure is in place
• Average rents for Melton Borough Council tenants will increase from £77.02 to £80.24 (an average increase of £3.22 per week). They remain below target rent levels.