THE council has pledged to pump more than £1 million into repairing its residential houses.

At last Thursday's meeting of full council, Cheshire West and Chester councillors approved an increase of £1.5 million per year into the annual maintenance budget of council houses from 2024/25.

An additional £1.35 million, to cover repairs carried out in 2023/24, was also approved.

In April this year, rents at council-owned properties increased by 7.7 per cent in line with Government guidelines, but there will be no further rise for 2024/25.

Cllr Christine Warner, cabinet member for homes, planning and safer communities, said: “Despite the financial pressures the council is facing, it is vital we prioritise investment in council housing improvements and maintenance to benefit our residents.

"We are committed to our 30-year investment programme, and this increased investment will ensure our homes continue to be maintained whilst allowing the council to respond proactively to the increased costs facing the social housing sector.

“We developed the Together with Tenants Charter alongside residents, outlining our commitments to residents to ensure that they receive a high standard of service and live in safe, well-maintained homes.

"It is important we continue to strive to improve and maintain the quality of homes and neighbourhoods.

"Reducing fuel costs, ensuring good quality and affordable homes, and improving the areas where people live is vital to support residents’ wellbeing."

CWAC says the increased spend on council housing reflects the increased costs facing the social housing sector across the country.

The rise will also ensure the council can fulfil its landlord responsibilities through ForHousing, which has managed the authority's 5,300 homes from 2017.

Since that time, a total of £28 million has been spent on improving council housing, including new boiler installations, roof replacements, kitchen and bathroom refurbishments, installing new double glazed UPVC window and doors, and electrical rewiring upgrades.

This increase in maintenance budget follows the announcement in May, the council will be making £3 million worth of improvements to make its housing more energy efficient to help households save money on bills.

The council has also agreed to match the £1.5 million funding awarded by the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to assist with decarbonising its housing in the borough.