Council Housing Repairs Funding 2025-06-09
2025-06-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquires about the adequacy of funding for repairing council housing stock, highlighting the strain on housing revenue accounts due to rent policy changes and inflationary pressures.
If she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the funding model for the repair of council housing stock. The MP notes that Swindon borough council is investing significantly in fixing council stock, contrasting this with the previous Conservative administration's lack of investment over 20 years.
The Government recognise the strain placed on housing revenue accounts due to changes in rent policy, inflationary pressures, and increased costs associated with investing in existing stock. The principle of self-financing remains the right one, but we are committed to working with councils to overcome the pressures on their HRAs so that they can invest in new and existing stock. My hon. Friend is a fantastic champion for council housing, and Swindon borough council is putting significant investment into its housing stock over the next five years. The Government recognise that councils, like other registered providers, need support to build their capacity; we have consulted on a new five-year social housing rent settlement and allowed councils to keep 100% of receipts generated by right-to-buy sales.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specific details about the adequacy or inadequacy of the current funding model for repairs.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP encountered a constituent in Kendal who had been living in a fire-damaged property for five months without proper restoration. The MP requests the Minister's personal interest in this case.
In Kendal, I came across a constituent in a Home Housing property who had not received full restoration after a house fire several months ago. Despite still residing there, the property was not fully restored or fixed. Will he take a personal interest in it if provided with details and does he agree that it is outrageous for someone to have to live in such conditions?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising that case; it does sound outrageous. If he writes to me, I will certainly look into the matter further.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide a direct commitment or timeline but acknowledged the issue and offered to investigate personally if provided with details.
Response accuracy