1,000 Council House-Building Plan Cut To Just 78 Homes

Reading council’s ambitious plan to build 1,000 council houses over 30 years has been cut back to just 78. The business plan to start the scheme was drawn up by Reading Borough Council through its housing revenue account in April and demolished by Chancellor George Osborne in July in his emergency budget. The chancellor’s rent reduction for council and social housing tenants of one per cent per year for the next four years - intended to cut the housing benefit bill - meant the figures for 1,000 homes no longer added up. Read more on the Get Reading website.

Houses Of Multiple Occupation 'Ruining Streets'

Measures to curb numbers of houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) in Reading's conservation areas are being considered by the council. Residents complained of the "blighting effect" of family houses being converted into single-room lets. Currently, only exterior features of a house are protected but residents also want the same for interiors. Reading Borough Council is to consider restricting landlords' house development rights. If voted through, the change will mean planning permission is required before any conversion takes place. Read more on the Get Reading website.