Thousands of council homes to be repaired (From Enfield Independent)

Thousands of council homes to be repaired as Enfield Borough Council secures Government grant

12:37pm Friday 19th October 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

Enfield Borough Council has secured an extra £44.61 million from the Government to invest in repairing more than 8,000 council homes.

The money will be used to improve the homes and bring them up to the Government’s Decent Homes standard.

The grant is in addition to £144 million which the council has pledged to spend over the next five years to improve more council properties.

Cllr Ahmet Oykener, cabinet member for housing, said: "The Decent Homes standard requires us to install modern facilities in all council owned flats and houses.

“New kitchens with adequate space and storage, modern baths, sinks and fixtures and new heating systems to provide efficient and sustainable warmth are the main features that make a decent home.

“We are determined that all our homes should reach modern standards and provide a warm, safe environment to live in.”

The Decent Homes standard, which was introduced by the previous Government, also requires the council to repair lifts, external windows, doors and roofs. 

The council has started work on homes along the North Circular Road first after identifying them as most at need.

The council will next target council homes in Edmonton in need of work.

Have you been affected by this scheme? Or do you believe your house is below the Decent Homes standard? Call reporter Hermione Wright on 07795 305 271.