Sandwell Council rent rises under proposal
Council tenants in Sandwell face rent rises under proposals by councillors as they look at continued investment plans for homes.
Sandwell Council leader Councillor Darren Cooper said it was an option being considered with a decision to be taken shortly.
Councillor Cooper said the authority was mindful of hitting cash-strapped families with rent rises of around one to two per cent.
But he said the council may have no option but to bring in a rise for next financial year to enable improvement plans for homes to continue.
Around £50 million is being spent by Sandwell Council to revamp 6,000 homes in the borough as part of an ongoing scheme.
Work has already been carried out on estates in Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Tipton and West Bromwich in the project.
Homes are being fitted with new kitchens and bathrooms, electrical rewiring and heating systems, along with new roofing and windows.
Contractors are now looking at renovating properties on estates around Smethwick and Wednesbury.
Councillor Cooper said: "We are still analysing all the figures for towards the end of the year but if we do have to have any increases then they would be no higher than inflation so around one or two per cent.
"Ideally I would have a rent freeze but I'm not sure that we would be able to afford to do that with the costs of everything going up at the moment despite assurances from government that things are getting better.
"We still need to continue with our investment programme in council housing stock and the only that we can do that is through the housing revenue account."
He added: "I am aware that people are struggling at the moment. We are trying to build more homes for people too.
"We do have to weigh all these options up and finances before we make a decision."
The news comes as it emerged council tax in Sandwell will be frozen for the fifth year under proposals being drawn up by the authority.
Work to revamp council homes is being carried out with three building firms – Lovell Partnerships, VINCI Facilities and Wates Living Space.
In a separate scheme work is also taking place to revamp accommodation at three tower blocks in Smethwick. More than 250 homes at the site known as The Crofts, in Windmill Lane, are being refurbished.
