WHA reviews rent levels each year. For the four years prior to April 2020, most residents would not have experienced an increase in rent. Most received a year-on-year 1% rent decrease. A new Rent Standard was issued by the Government which meant that from April 2020, housing associations were once again able to increase social and affordable rents by CPI+1% each year in line with Government policy.
Like most social housing providers we will be increasing our social housing rents by 1.5% in April 2021.
We want to communicate with you clearly and openly about these changes and explain why before you receive formal notification of this increase and hope that you understand the reasons behind our decision to increase rents this April.
WHA is a not for profit Registered Provider and the money we receive is invested into the business. The additional income is required to re-invest in our existing homes, such as replacing kitchens and bathrooms, carrying out gas and electric checks and services, and to provide much needed new affordable housing to help address the local shortage in affordable homes. It also ensures that we are investing in keeping our homes safe, secure and warm as we prepare to meet the changes required for building safety and reducing the carbon footprint of our homes. In addition the cost of utilities, materials, equipment and labour continue to increase every year.
The proposed increase will not only ensure that we will be able to continue to invest in our homes and communities, but it also provides us with the financial certainty that allows us to carry on being a landlord of choice now and well into the future.
As a tenant of Warrington Housing Association, you have a named Housing Officer and we have a Money Advice Officer that can offer advice and signposting, if needed, with accessing any government support available, such as universal credit, covid-19 loans or grants and with budgeting and money management to make sure you are in the best position to be able to pay your rent and bills.
Alternatively, you can get help and advice from the following organisations:
Citizens Advice Warrington: https://www.warrington-advice.co.uk or 0300 330 9091
Turn2us: https://www.turn2us.org.uk
Warrington Borough Council Housing Benefit support: https://www.warrington.gov.uk
Benefits Calculator: https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Armed Forces Community Support Hub: 01925 638515
StepChange: https://www.stepchange.org or 0800 138 1111
National Debt Line: https://www.nationaldebtline.org or 0808 808 4000
