ANCHO - still keeping our promises

ANCHO APPLY ONE OF THE LOWEST RENT INCREASES IN AYRSHIRE.

24th March 2006 -- As promised to tenants, ANCHO, for the fifth year running, have applied one of the lowest rent increases in Ayrshire.  After a consultation exercise involving all tenants, ANCHO’s Management Board agreed to increase rent at the rate of inflation plus 1% - a total increase of 3.2%.

This will mean an average increase of £7 per month for ANCHO’s tenants, effective from 1 April 2006.  Keeping to a low increase has allowed ANCHO to continue to reduce the gap between the rent levels inherited from Scottish Homes, and those across the rest of Ayrshire.

 At the same time, ANCHO’s Management Board approved a budget plan for 2006/07 which sees an overall increase in the level of investment in the housing stock, at the same time as an overall reduction in overheads.

‘The aim of our Rent Policy is to seek to balance the need for generating sufficient income to manage and maintain our housing stock, to repay the loan debt outstanding, and deliver our commitment to maintain affordability.  Our promises to our tenants are central to our strategy.  We are very pleased that our tenants are continuing to benefit from a relatively low increase, whilst continuing to receive the benefits of investment in the fabric of their homes.’ said Jackie Browne, Chair of ANCHO’s Management Board.