your questions answered

How has the national Decent Homes programme changed?

Funding for Decent Homes nationally has been reduced from around £2 billion to £1.6 billion. Local authorities have also been asked to bid for money for decent homes works.

When did Haringey submit a bid and how much did you bid for?

Haringey submitted a bid in January 2011. We asked for the money we need to complete the Decent Homes programme in Haringey.

How much Decent Homes money has Haringey received?

The government has allocated us money spread over the next four years. In the next two years (2011 – 12 and 2012 – 13), Haringey’s funding from the government was due to be over £85 million. This has been reduced to £36 million. This money is guaranteed from the Government. This news means we will be able to do much less work than we hoped over the next two years.

The final two years of funding (2013 – 14 and 2014 – 15) is £34 million but this is not guaranteed. This is because the Government is reviewing the way council housing is paid for. Overall, this means the government has allocated Haringey £70 million. This is a reduction of over £28 million from what was expected.

How much Decent Homes money was Haringey expecting?

In 2008 the Government confirmed we would receive £198.5 million for the Haringey Decent Homes programme. This money would be spread over six years. We have received the money we expected for the first three years but the Government has now changed the way it distributes money nationally.

What Decent Homes works are you planning to do this year?

The Decent Homes budget for 2011/12 has been reduced from ?44m to ?15m. This will be used to fund completion of works that started in 2010/11. We will then be concentrating on essential Decent Homes works to the majority of those homes that were due to get works done last year. We are writing to all residents affected by these changes.

When will I know what work you will do in my home?

As we have received less money than we need to complete the Decent Homes programme, we have had to review the work we planned to do in future years. Once we have reviewed the works we will consult with residents about what our priorities should be. We hope to finalise the programme and write to all residents to let them know how they are affected by the end of September 2011.

Will my home be brought up to the Decent Homes standard?

We are committed to making sure all Haringey Council owned homes are brought up to the Decent Homes standard. However, we do not currently have enough money to carry out all the work that is necessary. We will talk to residents to make sure we spend all the available money on the works that are most essential. We will also talk with residents about how we can make sure all council homes are refurbished to a modern standard in the future.

Will I get a new kitchen and/or bathroom through the Decent Homes programme?

As we have less money available for the Decent Homes standard, we will not be replacing kitchens or bathrooms in the next two years of the programme. However, we will seek to complete internal works when the money we need is available.

What works does the Haringey Decent Homes programme include?

We are committed to making sure all Haringey Council owned homes are brought up to the Decent Homes standard. However, we do not currently have enough money to carry out all the work that is necessary. We are therefore going to make sure we spend all the available money on the works that are most essential. We will therefore be focusing on the following improvement works: Windows, doors, roofs, and health and safety works, for example electrical rewiring.

Where can I get further information?

Please email us or call us or telephone us on 020 8489 1778.

 

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- Housing