Calling all landlords
Please note that this year's Landlords' Forum will be on 13th October, 9am-2pm in the Sir Daniel Gooch Theatre at the STEAM Museum. More details from Stuart Hook on 01793 464286.
Rent reduction to take effect from 17th August 2009
The Government announced in March a scheme to allow councils to reduce their rents. Swindon Borough Council has been accepted on to the scheme and the Council at its meeting on 28th May approved that the average rent increase of 6.2 per cent (that came into effect on 6th April 2009) be reduced to 3.1 per cent.
Due to the legal requirement to give 28 days notice of any changes in rent levels and additional time required to carry out administrative changes such as Housing Benefit and issue of new rent information cards, Swindon Borough Council rents will be reduced on Monday 17th August 2009.
From Monday 17th August a new lower rent will apply so that, over the course of the whole year, the rent increase equates to 3.1 per cent.
Any additional service charges you pay remain unchanged from the 6th April 2009 level.
During July you will receive notification of your new lower rent. You must continue paying at the April 2009 rate until 17th August.
If you currently receive Housing Benefit your payable rent will be adjusted automatically. If you are not claiming at present, but think you may be entitled to Housing Benefit, telephone 08458 500 962 for advice or to make an appointment.
If you pay by direct debit you will receive notification of your new payment during August. If you pay by standing order you will need to contact your bank to change your payment.
Tenants in rent arrears should continue payments at the April level in order to speed up clearance of their arrears. Please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Officer (telephone 01793 445503) if this will cause you particular hardship.
During August you will receive a new rent information card that will advise you of your fortnightly rent, please keep this safely. You can pay your rent by Direct Debit, at local shops with ‘paypoint’ facilities, at any Post Office, by telephone using a credit/debit card (tel 0845 6035058 – 24 hours), online at www.swindon.gov.uk/housing/housing-housingpayments-link, by posting a cheque payable to Swindon Borough Council at the Civic Offices or in person at the One Stop Shop in the Civic Offices.
If you have any enquiries regarding your rent (other than Housing Benefit) telephone 01793 445503 and ask for your Neighbourhood Housing Officer.
Housing and Regeneration Options Appraisal - Cabinet opts for ballot
The Housing and Regeneration Options Appraisal was discussed by Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet on 10th June, when they opted for the recommended route of offering tenants a formal ballot on whether or not they would wish to transfer their homes to a local, purpose made, housing association. The next stage in this process will be a vote by the Full Council on 16th July.
Click here to read the background to the Housing Options Appraisal. The results of the community consultations, held earlier in the year, can be viewed here: Housing Options Appraisal Update.pdf (68kb) For more information on the Housing Options Appraisal contact Michael Ash on 01793 464410 or by e-mail: mash@swindon.gov.uk
Important Changes to Benefit Rules
October saw a number of changes to the Housing and Council Tax Benefit rules, namely in the areas of Child Maintenance; Extended Payments; Backdating and Employment and Support Allowance.
You can read about what's new in Benefits in greater detail,by clicking on this link.
Local Housing Allowance
(LHA)
Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a national scheme which came into effect across the country from 7th April 2008. It assists people in the private sector to meet their rent, in respect of reasonably priced accommodation...More
Quality Homes for Swindon
Providing a full range of high quality homes to meet the growing needs of the local population
House prices continue to rise in Swindon, resulting in home ownership not being a viable option for many people. A recent housing needs survey estimated that over 800 affordable homes will be required each year, until 2010, to meet local needs.
Swindon Borough Council has been tackling the needs through the following initiatives including:
- Building seven intelligent and green (Integer) homes, in partnership with housing associations, as a demonstration scheme to house-builders
- Building 10% of all new affordable homes as 'Lifetime Homes' which allow adaptations to be made easily, depending on the household's physical needs
- Setting up a home improvement agency, in partnership with Ridgeway Housing Association, enabling older people and those with physical disabilities to remain in their own home
- Completing Isambard House, Swindon's first affordable housing scheme for 'key workers', giving new qualified teachers the opportunity to live and work here
Council Housing in Swindon
The council manages around 10,800 council homes, which includes approximately 1,500 sheltered flats and bungalows for older people, and around 400 flats owned by leaseholders.
Service First
Download Swindon Housing's Customer Service Charter, which sets out our commitment to excellent service.
Housing Customer Service Charter.pdf (477kb)
Printer Friendly |
Text Only |
Accessibility Guide
