Following the recent ‘no-vote’ by Wrexham County Borough Council tenants, the authority has been looking at how best to tackle the £1.3 million deficit in the Housing budget.

Amongst the possible solutions discussed by councillors recently, the authority are looking at closing six housing offices from April 2005, although a central office will reportedly be re-opened in Caia park by July 2005. Also proposed is the introduction of a freephone service for tenants to report repairs.

The proposed changes were made in consultation with tenants the Council at several meetings held throughout the borough. Results from the meetings highlighted that 68% of the Housing departments tenants made contact by telephone, leaving just 32% who made contact via a visit. As most of the visits were to pay rent, the council are now looking at encouraging more tenants to pay via the many post offices and convenience stores throughout the county borough.

Previous talk of job cuts seem to have resided for the moment. Although the authority are still looking at cutting up to 20 jobs, due to the current level of vacancies some staff will be re-deployed within Housing, but it has been confirmed that there will be no redundancies made.

It is hoped that by making these changes that future rent increase will be kept to a minimum.

For more information visit the Wrexham County Borough Council website.

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