COUNCIL tenants are to be charged for damage caused to their homes and gardens “beyond fair wear and tear” under new cost-cutting plans unveiled by Waverley Borough Council.

Waverley will appoint a new “recharge collection officer” in September for an initial period of 12 months.

The post is expected to save the council around £35,000 per annum by recharging the “minority of council tenants” who cause damage to their homes.

It comes after Waverley’s budget for housing repairs was cut in-line with the one per cent reduction in housing rents set nationally by the Government for all social landlords.

This, the council says, makes it even more important to target funding on “priority activities”, instead of issues that are tenants’ responsibilities such as clearing gardens and properties when a tenant moves out.

Carole King, Waverley’s portfolio holder for housing, said: “The vast majority of tenants are proud of their home, take responsibility and report the need for repairs as soon as they arise.

“However there is a minority who let their homes deteriorate by failing to report the need for repairs when something goes wrong.

“It is also unfair the costs of repairs are funded from council resources that could otherwise be used to improve housing services for everyone’s benefit. 

“This new appointment will have an important role in protecting housing finances in the interests of the majority.”

In-line with Waverley’s tenancy agreement, the new charges will include the recovery of costs incurred by the council for a variety of reasons including:

• Damage caused to the home beyond fair wear and tear;

• Vehicle removal;

• Garden maintenance and rubbish clearance and

• Damage caused by police during the execution of a warrant.

A council spokesman added if attempts to recover recharges were unsuccessful WBC would consider going to to court to recover the debt.

But the spokesman added: “Each instance will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Tenants who can evidence they are unable to pay the costs in full will be given the opportunity to enter into a repayment plan.”

Information will be sent to tenants explaining the changes. Email recharges@ waverley.gov.uk