£2 Million Boost For Council Housing in Bristol

Tuesday, March 9th 2010 14:00

An extra £2 million is going to be spent on housing services in Bristol.

The council says the money is not coming out of Council tax. Instead it is been found through efficiencies in the housing system.

£1 million is going to be spent on improving the minimum standard of council properties at the letting stage.

Councillor Mark Wright, Cabinet Member for Housing and Service Improvement said: "Feedback has shown that this is a key issue and by making sure we address this we will also help ensure that long-term tenancy problems are avoided."

The money will be used to buy or repair things for the garden like fencing and to pay for decorating costs where the existing decoration is in poor condition. There will also options for new tenants where they could be entitled to a decoration allowance of more than £200 because of the extent of decorating required.

£700,000 is also being allocated to make alterations to homes for people with disabilities. That could be widening doors or adding ramps. This money will enable an extra 176 disabled people to be helped more quickly over the next 12 months.

Councillor Wright added: "Helping maintain the dignity and independence of disabled people is a key commitment and this additional funding should make a real improvement to the lives of a significant number of our residents."