Rent calculation

Levels of rent for Local Authority properties are now determined to reflect the following:

• condition and location of properties, and other qualities that tenants value
• local earnings, so as to take account of affordability
• property size

This is to meet Central Government aims. Further information is available on the Communities and Local Government website.

Rent 2006/2007

The City Council’s rents are to be increased in line with Government assumptions for the year 2006/2007. Taken with the effects of the major changes to the rent restructuring guidelines the average increase in rent is 3.91%. In order to keep the impact of rent restructuring to a reasonable level, no rent may increase by more than 3.2% plus or minus £2 per week in 2006/2007.

Service charges will increase by a maximum of 3.20%, recharges for water in sheltered accommodation by 5% and by 10% for all other properties.

A new service charge to cover the annual gas servicing of central heating boilers is being introduced at an average weekly charge of £1.20. The charge is covered by housing benefit for those tenants in receipt of assistance.

For tenants in warden controlled accommodation there will be a warden charge of £9.58 from April 2006. Those tenants in receipt of housing benefit will not be charged. Tenants who are not currently in receipt of housing benefit are expected to pay the charge in full, but are able to apply for a ‘fairer charging assessment’. For assistance please telephone 01752 307384.