Council approves continued investment in housing stock 

The decision was taken by a special meeting of the council held last night (4 February 2020).

The new heating systems will incorporate latest generation high-efficiency boilers, which are cheaper to run and have a lower impact on the environment.

After several years of rent reductions the average weekly rent for a council home will rise by £2.24 per week to £85.14, while service charges will stay broadly the same.

The budget takes account of the loss of council properties at Biart Place, where two tower blocks are currently being dismantled, and at three blocks at Rounds Gardens, where tenants are being rehomed in a phased process known as “decanting”. 

Cllr Emma Crane, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for communities and homes, said: “As a landlord we are very mindful of the need to keep investing in our properties to keep them at a high standard. By doubling the number of properties that are to get new heating systems our tenants will be better able to keep warm and well.

“We have made some changes to keep the cost of these improvements down, but after four years of rent capping we do now need to put the average weekly rent up by £2.24.”

The announcement came after Rugby Borough Council was shortlisted for Council of the Year in the annual Inside Housing awards.