Rents boost could keep millions of pounds in Crawley

By shewitt

CRAWLEY could be millions of pounds better off after the Government agreed to give the town greater freedom over its finances.

The borough council has been told it can keep all the rent it collects around the town, rather than having to give the cash back to central government.

Housing Minister John Healey last week announced plans to allow councils to keep all their rental income.

The news comes after more than 1,900 residents signed a petition saying rents should be kept locally.

The petition was taken up to Downing Street in February by councillor Jennifer Millar-Smith, the borough council's cabinet member for housing.

She said: "This could be a big step on the way to victory for our campaign.

"Only about 60 per cent of rent that we collect is currently spent in Crawley but with this news it could change to 100 per cent.

"This extra money could be put to very good use to improve our council housing and the services we provide to our tenants, as well as future affordable and possible new build council housing."

Crawley Borough Council rents nearly 8,300 homes to tenants.

Last year 41 per cent – £13.2 million – of Crawley tenants' rent money was sent back to the Government.

This year, that figure is due to rise to £14.6 million.

No timescale has been given for the change, as Mr Healey says the government wants time to consult with all councils.

John Andrew, chair of the Crawley Homes Tenants' Forum, said: "This is good news and is something we put a lot of work into."

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