Grampian announces rent freeze in 2021/22 for tenants
Grampian Housing Association will freeze tenant rents for the 2021/2022 financial year.
Tenants of Grampian Housing Association will have their rents frozen for the next year, following the board’s decision not to apply a rent increase on 1 April 2021. The association said that it hopes the announcement will bring some much-needed relief to the many tenants who have suffered financially because of Covid-19. This freeze will also apply to service charges and owners’ management fees.
Grampian Housing Association Chairman Dr Abhishek Agarwal said: “As required of the association, and in keeping with our commitment to engagement, last November, we consulted tenants on the rent increase. At that time, the majority opted for a 0.7% increase for 2021/22.
“We appreciate the feedback and comments from all tenants who participated. However, since then, the board has reflected on the continuing adverse effect of Covid-19 and the challenges of further lockdown restrictions for tenants and other customers.”
“The board was already mindful that, when our tenants were surveyed during the first lockdown, just over half reported they had experienced a negative financial impact. When the second lockdown was announced, it was acutely clear to us that the full financial impact had yet to be felt, and the coming year will be another very difficult one for many households.”
Throughout the pandemic, the association said it has undertaken “extensive” work to support its tenants. This has included telephone check-ins with vulnerable tenants and providing practical assistance and access to its tenancy sustainment services that offer free money and debt advice, housing support and energy advice. A new tenant welfare fund, and a new energy crisis fund have also been set up to support tenants in financial hardship to buy essentials and heat their homes.
Grampian Housing Association Chief Executive Neil Clapperton said: “We are determined to do all we can to support our tenants and customers, where it is possible for us to do so, ensuring that tenants can continue in the knowledge that we will keep our commitment to improving their homes, reducing fuel poverty, and continuing with our current new build programme.
“Due to the continued uncertainty over the economic impact of the pandemic, board members have tasked us with reviewing our business plan proposals.”
“We are fortunate in that we have been taking action since 2018 to make efficiencies which have already had a positive contribution on our financial health and will continue to do so as change progresses.”