Directory

Access tools

Set Text size

| |

Set Contrast

| |

Text only
Translation
Listen

News

Poole Housing Partnership Rent Increases

Due to the Government rent restructuring policy Poole Housing Partnership is being forced to increase rents and other charges of Council tenants on 3^rd April 2006.  On average, the basic rent will increase by 4.85% - some rents will increase by less than this and some will increase by a higher percentage.  The average increase of 4.85% is the level set by the Government rent restructuring policy.

Letters have been sent to all Council tenants by Poole Housing Partnership (PHP), the Arms' Length Management Organisation acting on behalf of the Borough of Poole, explaining the new charges.

In line with other Local Authorities, Poole complies with the Government rent restructuring legislation.  The rent level for each individual property has been set by a phased move from the 2001/02 actual rent, to the formula rent in ten steps, starting in 2002/03 and finishing in 2011/12.  The rent setting structure aims to ensure that social sector rents should remain fair and affordable.

Other charges have also had to increase - sheltered housing charges by 3.2%; supporting people charges by an average of 2.5%; sewerage and water charges by 6% and 15% respectively and heating and hot water charges by 20%.

Sewerage and water charges increases are set by the Water Companies and PHP has no alternative but to pass these charges on to tenants who pay for their water and sewerage with their rent.

Joe Logan , PHP Chief Executive said "These rises are regrettable, and we understand how difficult it will be for many of our residents. The rent increase is set by the Government and nationally, energy prices have increased sharply - the Local Government Association estimates that on average energy costs will increase by 23%.  In Poole, the increase has been fixed at 20%.  PHP recognises the ever increasing importance of keeping energy costs as low as possible and under the Decent Homes investment programme, PHP is investing in modern efficient heating and insulation to keep bills to a minimum."

The forthcoming increases to rent and other charges are not linked to, and would have happened irrespective of the formation of the Arms' Length Management Organisation.  PHP has achieved a three star excellent rating with the Audit Commission which released £35.4 Million in supported capital which is now funding the Decent Homes improvement projects across the stock..  During 2006/07,  over £15 million will be invested by PHP to continue with high quality improvements to Council properties.

Sarah Simpson, Communications Officer, Tel: 01202 264436