Council housing budget shows continued investment in homes

The increase reflects the Consumer Prices Index for inflation of 3.8 percent, plus one percent. It will bring the average weekly rent to £112.58, meaning that council properties will remain the most affordable homes in the borough.
 
The increased rental income will allow the council to continue its investment in its ageing stock to ensure that its homes are warm and safe, and affordable for tenants to heat and manage.
 
In 2025/26, the council has taken ownership of one hundred new homes at Navigation Way which are now being let to eligible families with a connection to the borough. The council has also continued its kitchen and bathroom replacement programme and invested in a stock condition survey to allow targeted investment based on the condition of each individual home.
 
The draft budget shows that the council will continue its transformation of its repairs service that has seen empty properties brought back into use quicker, and the number of tenants waiting for repairs halved. Previously unreported repairs, identified through stock condition surveys, have also been tackled helping to make sure the council’s homes remain warm and safe.
 
Also budgeted is the purchase of 15 new properties for social rent, to be funded from Right to Buy receipts.
 
Cllr Claire Edwards, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for Communities and Homes, Regulation and Safety, said: “The information presented in this report shows that we are in a good position to continue to invest in improving our homes.
 
“While the decisions will be made by councillors on 18 February, the draft budget shows that we will be able to continue our programme of improvements and investment in our properties.
 
“While we understand that any increase in rent will be unwelcome, more than two thirds of our tenants will have all or part of their rent paid by Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.”
 
Cllr Jerry Roodhouse, Leader of the Rugby Borough Council Liberal Democrat Group, said: "Increasing rent is always a difficult decision, but we want to make sure that extra support and advice is available for tenants who need it.

"The increase also allows us to keep investing in our stock and carrying on with energy efficiency work as well."
 
The financial update report was considered by councillors at the meeting of cabinet held on 9 February. The final budget and rent amounts will be set at the meeting of council to be held on 18 February.