270 social housing tenants in York face big rent hike under “Pay to Stay” legislation

‘Pay to stay’ law would force social tenants to declare income

The York Council has revealed that 270 tenants with high earning may be required to pay the market rent for their homes from 2017.

Rent levels in York

Rent levels in York

Announced in the Budget, the ‘pay to stay’ policy means social housing tenants with household incomes over £30,000, or over £40,000 in London, would have to pay a market or near market level of rent. The measure would come into effect in April 2017.

The government had previously said that  it might introduce legislation requiring tenants to declare their incomes in future but said all income raised would be available for investment in affordable housing.

The Budget document said while Housing Associations will keep the extra money to fund development, Councils must hand it to the Treasury.

We think this will be ‘pay to go’: people will decide to exercise their “right to buy”

The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates the policy would affect 10% of social housing tenants.

Councils fear collecting the data would be expensive and difficult, particularly for existing tenants and when tenants’ earnings change.

Legislation will be included on a Housing Bill, which is also set to introduce the extension of the right-to-buy (discounts) to housing association tenants

York Council Car parks: detailed income figures published

Following concerns about declining use of City centre car parks, the York Council has published details of the monthly income that it is receiving from each.

Car park income Nov 2015

In total the York Council receives over £5 million from off street car parking charges each year. 

Recent reports pointed to a “below budget” performance which was partially blamed on unreliable barrier equipment installed in July 2014  at the Marygate car park. The detailed figures now published, suggest that the 12 month rolling average income for Marygate saw use of the facility decline until as recently as August of this year.

It has yet to return to pre-barrier levels of use.

The Council’s policy on charging has been heavily criticised over recent years with the, then Labour controlled, Council imposing huge increases in prices – particularly for residents. A paid for “Minster Badge” was introduced but this has failed to attract the expected number of purchasers.

These factors were blamed for a decline in use – and the migration of shoppers to out of town retail outlets.

The Council  is set to review its parking policy at a meeting being held on 28th January  Before that, in December, it is expected to set its parking charges for the forthcoming financial year.

What’s on: Father Christmas’ Toy Museum

30 Nov, 1, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 17 – 24 Dec
11am – 4pm (2.30pm on 24 December)

Father ChThis Christmas holiday, Father Christmas will be opening his very special festive Toy Museum at York Castle Museum!

Experience some Christmas magic as the toys come to life to tell tales of Christmas traditions and re-discover some of the most popular Christmas toys of past and present.

Father Christmas will be making special appearances throughout the day to finish making his list of presents to deliver on Christmas Eve. Each child will receive a chocolate treat for the Christmas tree.

For more information visit www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk