Cash-strapped Croydon Council is increasing its repairs budget to £10.5million this year “to address backlogs” in its works programme.
The increased spending will also be used, the council says, to “tackle damp and mould and improve living conditions”.
The increased spend for the Housing Revenue Account – which is managed separately from the council’s general fund – was approved at a council cabinet meeting this week.
“Over the past year, Croydon has been transforming its housing service,” the council said, “by improving stock condition data and carrying out proactive repairs.” Yes… “proactive repairs“, which suggests repairs carried out before damage is noticeable. Or what most people would call “maintenance”.
Included in the council’s housing plans is £166million investment for the redevelopment of the Regina Road estate, one-third of which has been provided in funding from Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, and will deliver 225 new affordable homes.
Time to go: the Regina Road estate area, where 190 homes are to be demolished and replaced with nearly 400, including 225 affordable
Regina Road, in South Norwood, became nationally notorious after ITV News exposed the slum-like conditions, caused by leaks and mould, in many of the council flats.
The Housing Revenue Account has also earmarked a further £30million “to expand Croydon’s social housing stock and provide more homes for families most in need”.
The council recently bought Zodiac House, in Broad Green, for around £20million, to provide 73 homes to support residents facing homelessness, and save £1million per year in the costs of providing temporary housing.
Read more: This is council’s chance to do more than just the bare minimum
Read more: London Mayor steps in with £53.8m grant for Regina Road
Read more: Croydon shamed over ‘dangerous squalor’ in council flats
Read more: Investigation finds systemic failure and incompetence in council
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