Council denies cutting housing funds despite a 2.7% rent rise. It cites increased income to improve housing, addressing repair backlogs.
Housing standards face scrutiny now. The Regulator of Social Housing found “serious failings.” There are 1,800 overdue repairs needed, and over 1,000 damp and mould cases exist. Fire safety upgrades must happen soon. Council bosses deny spending cuts in 2026.
Colin Ferguson questioned budget figures. Capital spending may drop to £50 million; it is currently £71.2 million in 2025/26. Mark Nicholson said projects are not yet planned, but that more investment plans are coming later.
Maines said the opposition is too “negative”. The council took back housing control last summer and now manages 25,000 properties. Fixing housing is a very large task. Small issues distract from fixing housing, she added.
The council reported itself to the watchdog because sixteen areas fall below housing standards. Ferguson welcomed the council’s open approach but wondered where the money will come from. The money is needed to fix the homes.
Ferguson said residents will ask why rents rise, and they want to see the actual investments occur. Karen Kilgour said Ferguson overstated the issue. The decrease in investment had already been explained.
Kilgour said checks are good. The opposition has a role to play, but she feels politics are involved too.