Crawley Homes tenants will see their rent rise by 2.7% in April. And those who live in flats will see an increase in the service charge levied for cleaning.
Crawley Homes tenants will see their rent rise by 2.7% in April. And those who live in flats will see an increase in the service charge levied for cleaning.
The changes were approved by the borough council’s cabinet on Wednesday (February 5).
Ian Irvine, cabinet member for housing, said the increases were ‘modest’ and would bring ‘much-needed income’ to the council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and ensure it was in ‘a healthy state’ going forward.
As well as dealing with rents, the HRA manages costs such as repairs and maintenance of the housing stock.
The service charge increases will see the weekly cost of cleaning rise from £2.99 to £3.76, except for in Milton Mount, where it will rise from £6.54 to £6.92, and Bridgefield House, where it will rise from £6.54 to £6.97 for leaseholders only.
Sheltered houses currently pay nothing but will now be charged 50% of the cost – £5.21 per week.
It was also agreed that a service charge of £1.38 per week would be introduced for tenants living in blocks of flats which benefit from the communal grounds maintenance service.
A report to the cabinet said:
“Not taking forward the full suite of proposed service charges would result in a loss of income amounting to £503,998.54 per annum.”
The HRA coffers have not been helped by a ‘surge’ in Right To Buy, which, the cabinet was told, will lead to a reduction in rental income of £864,000.
Sue Mullins, cabinet member for community engagement & culture, said:
“As councillors, none of us want to put up rents or charges in any way at all.
"But we have to live in the modern real world and understand that if we want a healthy Housing Revenue Account and we want all our residents to benefit, then we have to increase in line with other councils and within government guidelines.”
Men Found Not Guilty Of Rape In Eastbourne
Crawley Residents To Face April Council Tax Rise
Appeal Over High-Value Distraction Theft In Brighton
Appeal In Connection With Burglary Near Eastbourne
Stone Balustrade To Return To Seafront Building
In A Pickle: Withdean Residents Fear Noisy New Court
Barber Jailed After Attacking A Person With Scissors
Royal Sussex County Hospital: NHS Trust Temporary Offices Approved For Five More Years
Nightcap Acquires Brighton i360 To Secure Future Of Debt Ridden Viewing Tower
Burglar Sentenced Over Rustington And Littlehampton Break-Ins
Comments
Add a comment