We will be writing to all ARCH members
asking for responses to a consultation paper we have drawn up
jointly with the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA) on council
rents after 2020.
The present government is committed to
reducing rents by 1% a year until 2020 but has promised discussions
with the local authority and housing association sectors on rents
policy thereafter.
The Housing White Paper promised a new rent
policy for social housing landlords for the period beyond 2020 to
help them to borrow against future income with the aim of ensuring
they have the confidence they need about their future income to
plan for future investment in new and existing stock.
Our consultation paper sets out various
options including a rent freeze and various levels of annual
increases and asks for members' views on these options and an
assessment of the impact of each option on future investment in the
housing stock, including new construction. It also asks for an
assessment of the impact of the government's plan to restrict
housing benefit and Universal Credit to Local Housing Allowance
levels from next year.
We anticipate an announcement on Social Rent
Policy may be made in the Autumn Budget. However, we want to put a
case to government in advance of any announcement and are seeking
the views of ARCH members to inform that case.
Please email us at info@arch-housing.org.uk
if you have any questions about this consultation.
The ARCH Tenants' Group will also be
consulted and their views sought.