February 22, 2016 12.17 pm This story is over 97 months old

Rent reduction proposed for some Lincoln council houses, while others face rise

Council rents: Many Lincoln council tenants are in line for a small reduction in their rent, but vulnerable residents and those with garages are set to be expected to pay a higher amount.
City Hall, off Orchard Street in Lincoln | Photo Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Many Lincoln council tenants are in line for a small reduction in their rent, but vulnerable residents and those with garages are set to be expected to pay a higher amount.

City of Lincoln Council has proposed a reduction of an average weekly rent for general purpose accommodation from £70.94 in 2015-16 to £70.23 per week for 2016-17.

This equates to a saving of 71p per week over 52 weeks.

However, those living in supported accommodation will be asked to pay an extra 70p per week, with the average weekly rent rising from £70.73 in 2015-16 to £71.43 in 2016-17.

The government’s definition of supported housing includes:

  • domestic violence refuges and other specialist accommodation based support for domestic violence victims
  • hostels and other accommodation for the homeless
  • sheltered accommodation for older people
  • supported accommodation for young people
  • extra care housing
  • accommodation for people with mental health or drug/alcohol problems
  • accommodation for people with disabilities
  • accommodation for ex-offenders and people at risk of offending

An increase in garage rents of 3% is also proposed, bringing the charge to £7.35 for 2016-17, an increase of 21p per week.

The council owns 1,348 garages and of this number, 354 are currently void.

A viability assessment of the authority’s garages is being undertaken to determine how they will be used in the future.

Councillors have been recommended to support these proposals at a meeting of the Executive on February 22.