27 February 2006
Hounslow councillors have approved a five per cent increase in average rents to ensure housing and front-line services for Hounslow Homes’ tenants are protected and improved.
This difficult decision – made in line with Government expectations – will come into effect from 3 April.
The current financial year was a successful one for three-star rated Hounslow Homes - the arms length company set up by Hounslow Council four years ago to manage its housing stock. However, to ensure improvements in existing housing stock and front-line services are continued, average rents must rise.
Cllr Krishan Chopra, lead member for Sustainable Mixed Housing, said: “While making the decision to raise rents was difficult, Hounslow rents will remain the lowest in West London and we are committed to making improvements.
“We will continue to invest substantial resources into priorities set by tenants, for example the Neighbourhood Warden service is being expanded and activities around combating Anti Social Behaviour will increase.
“Community initiatives, including the popular Street Soccer programme in partnership with Brentford FC and the Football Foundation, will continue.
“We will also invest an additional £220,000 in work to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act and an additional £300,000 will be set aside to improve the environment on estates.”
Hounslow Homes is recognised by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister as a flagship ALMO and it has made rapid progress with the Government’s Decent Homes Programme. To date, 10,000 properties have been improved with new kitchens, bathrooms, roofing modernisations and new windows. Hounslow Homes is on target to complete all “decency” work this year, four years ahead of deadline.