Record response rate to River Clyde Homes’ rent consultation

Following an extensive rent consultation with customers that resulted in a record 755 responses being received, the Board of River Clyde Homes has confirmed that the increase for 2017/18 will be restricted to the rate of inflation (2%), keeping a promise made two years ago.

With 14% of the association’s customers responding to the consultation, 84% confirmed their support for the proposal.  

Other charges will increase as follows:

· heating: RPI only (2%)

· garages, covered parking, ground sites and allotments: RPI only (2%)

· factoring: RPI only (2%)

· warden services (excluding Bagatelle Court): increase to meet actual costs of providing the service (9.85%)

· warden services at Bagatelle Court: increase to meet actual costs of providing the service (0.08%)

· Caretaking Services: increase to meet actual costs of providing the service (2.9%)

Other feedback from customers participating in the consultation confirmed the following priorities:

· improvements in the responsive repairs service;

· tackling antisocial behaviour;

· renewing or replacing electric heating systems; and

· investment in the area around homes such as footpaths, bin and drying areas, open spaces etc. 

Customers also confirmed ‘keeping rents affordable’ as their answer to the question ‘what matters to you most?’.

Albert Henderson, Chair of the River Clyde Homes Board, said:

“The amount of feedback we received to the consultation this year was our highest ever. We asked customers to tell us whether they agreed, or not, with the promise we made two years ago to restrict rent increases to the level of RPI, and I’m pleased to see our customers support our ongoing plans to improve our housing stock across Inverclyde.”

Each customer who participated in the consultation was entered into a prize draw, with a chance to win a £200 shopping voucher. The winner, chosen at random, was Patricia Walsh of Gourock.