HOUSING, whether it is rented or owned is a major issue for the Stroud district – we as a council are nearing the end of a £19 million project to build 236 new council houses and we would dearly like to build more but we are capped by Government on borrowing for that purpose.

House prices are above the national average and rents are high too, so we are doing all we can to work with social housing providers to build homes for rent.

Our commitment to getting decent-quality roofs over peoples’ heads does not end there however and I would like to highlight several schemes and measures we or our partners offer.

People who rent privately can benefit from the council’s Deposit Bond Scheme, which helps people who are eligible for housing benefit access accommodation without having to pay out a deposit.

The bond is redeemable by a landlord against damage at the end of the tenancy up to a maximum of one month’s rent and the council will recover it from the tenant.

For owner occupiers, Stroud District Council offers Healthy Homes Loans of up to £15,000 so that they can address defects such as damp, condensation or cold.

And working with Warm & Well and The Warm Homes Fund, we are able to offer free central heating for homes without it, and other ways to keep warm and save money on energy bills.

For owners of homes who want to rent them out, we can offer a loan of up to £15,000 to help with renovation work before it is rented out. And landlords can benefit from a free, countywide service which recognises good quality, well managed private lettings and offers tenants peace of mind. The Fit To Rent accreditation scheme offers benefits for both landlords and tenants, and sets out what is expected of both parties.

See stroud.gov.uk