Thousands of social housing tenants have been warned of "difficult decisions" that could result in 7% rent rises and service cuts.

Watford Community Housing (WCH) said that grounds maintenance work, spending on communal areas, phone support, and investment projects were at risk as it outlined how rents will be reviewed.

A news article, available on the association’s website, added that tenants' rents from April 2023 will be confirmed in February.

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A cap announced last week means social housing rent increases cannot be more than 7%, due to high inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.

Under the normal calculation (one per cent above inflation) rents could have risen more than 11%.

WCH, which manages 5,700 homes across South-West Herts, said: “Rising prices affect us too, as it costs us more to provide services.

“As rents are being capped below the current level of inflation, we will have to consider where we can make savings on the services we provide, and we will have to make some difficult decisions.”

The article adds WCH is "working to keep rents as affordable as possible".

A WCH spokesperson highlighted no decision has yet been made, ahead of consultation with customers.

These consultations will take place on:

  • November 10 – 6.30pm to 8pm: Consultation event for tenants – Leavesden Green Community Hub 
  • December 1 – 6.30pm to 8pm: Consultation event for shared ownership customers – Gateway House, Clarendon Road
  • January 12 – 6.30pm to 8pm: Consultation event for leaseholders – Gateway House, Clarendon Road

The events can be attended in person, online, or via Zoom. To find out more, email community@wcht.org.uk.

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