New Forest cuts costs to hit decency target

New Forest Council will cut its repairs budgets in order to help raise the £47m it needs to meet the decent homes standard by 2010.

The decision follows confirmation by the council last week that it would retain management of its homes.

The council made the decision after consultation with tenants that found 94% of 1138 respondents wanted it to keep control.

The council estimates it needs to raise an extra £1m a year until 2010 in order to meet the decency standard.

It is considering a number of proposals for raising the funds, which may include delaying non-essential repairs.

Dave Brown, New Forest council’s assistant director of housing services, said tenants moving into previously void homes might have to accept a three-year delay to repair projects, such as new kitchens.

He said: “A lot of money will be diverted away from the major repairs allowance budget and we will make savings on reactive repairs as well.”

The council is also reviewing its asset management strategy and may increase garage rents to generate extra income.

Councillor Peter Greenfield, portfolio holder for housing, said: “The overwhelming message from council tenants during the consultation was that they wanted to keep the council as landlord.

“It can just about afford to do this if it can find savings elsewhere in the housing budget – so this is the approach we have decided to take.

New Forest is aiming to spend £177m on improving its stock over the next 30 years.