Council Cash Injection For Home Improvements

Redditch tenants are set to benefit from a multi-million pound investment in the Council’s housing stock.

For the year ahead the Council has agreed to target £9m of its capital funds to improve and maintain not only the internal and external parts of the properties but the surrounding areas too.

The Housing Capital Investment Programme, which was drawn up using data from stock condition surveys carried out over the last 2 years, will also cover many types of work including:

• Fire Precaution Works
• Boiler Replacements
• Door Entry Upgrades
• Electrical and Smoke Detection Upgrades
• Disabled Adaptations
• Environmental Works
• Asbestos Removal
• Upgrading vacant properties
• Energy Efficiency
• Improvements at High Trees including the surrounding area

Redditch Borough Councillor Craig Warhurst, whose portfolio covers Housing, said: “The aim of the programme is not only to improve our properties, but to enhance the health and well-being of our tenants through improvements to living conditions and neighbourhoods.

“We want to promote a sense of pride in people about where they live which is why we have set aside this investment and to further prove our commitment, we will be providing updates as the improvements are carried out.”

So the programme can be successfully rolled out, tenants are being urged to let contractors and workers into their properties once notified by letter and upon presentation of ID.

Council Leader Matt Dormer said: "We have a regulatory requirement to carry out some of these improvements, like gas and electrical inspections and upgrades so our tenants need to work with us so we can make this happen.

“Councillors, and officers gave full consideration to earmarking £9m from capital funds for this programme which fits in with our strategic priorities including helping our residents to live independent, active and healthy lives”.

The Council will be providing updates on the programme on its social media platforms and website.