In response to resident concern, we have asked the City Council to clarify the rents for the new social and affordable units at Lock’s Court. It seems that 5 of the originally advertised charges were not accurate and they will be re-advertised.
Here is the response we have received from the City Council.
The social rents are set around 47% of the market rent for the property type for the area. In addition to the rent, relevant service charges are also due.
The affordable housing units are set at either 60% of market rent (Lock’s Court) or 78% of market rent (the remainder). There are no service charges for the affordable units as they are considered inclusive of the rent.
As a result of these conditions, there will be always be some properties with a much higher charge than identical properties, however .. the demand for the affordable rent properties is very high nonetheless.
We have however identified a problem with the recent advertisements for the 5 affordable rent properties in that the rent shown was at 78%, not 60% as it should have been. Although the demand was high, we are aware that many applicants may have been put off from bidding because of the additional rental cost, including potentially some of those in greatest housing need. As a result, we will be re-advertising those properties with the correct rent figures. We will be contacting those who have made bids to explain and apologise for the mix up. The social rental properties advertised are unaffected.
The table below shows the correct charges for each property. The total charge includes rent debit, and where appropriate (for social housing) charges for care taking and cleaning, grounds maintenance, LL Lighting, TV and aerial repairs, and service. The affordable homes are on first floor level.
| House No. | Rental Type | No of Beds | Permitted number |
Total Debit |
| 1 LOCK’S COURT | SOCIAL | 2 | 4 | £121.85 |
| 2 LOCK’S COURT | AFFORDABLE | 2 | 4 | £142.34 |
| 3 LOCK’S COURT | SOCIAL | 2 | 4 | £121.85 |
| 4 LOCK’S COURT | AFFORDABLE | 1 | 2 | £124.38 |
| 5 LOCK’S COURT | SOCIAL | 2 | 4 | £121.85 |
| 6 LOCK’S COURT | AFFORDABLE | 2 | 3 | £142.34 |
| 7 LOCK’S COURT | SOCIAL | 3 | 5 | £136.03 |
| 8 LOCK’S COURT | AFFORDABLE | 1 | 2 | £124.38 |
| 9 LOCK’S COURT | SOCIAL | 2 | 3 | £121.85 |
| 10 LOCK’S COURT | AFFORDABLE | 2 | 4 | £142.34 |