Trevor Galle, former Chief Executive of the Federation of Tenants` and Residents` Associations, sends this contribution to our blog:
REGULATOR`S CHARGES ARE
ANOTHER TAX ON TENANTS
Surprise, surprise, we now find that the housing regulator is under-resourced and that the regulator, the Homes & Community Agency (HCA) is considering charging English housing associations a fee for regulation as part of a drive to boost its resources so that it is less reliant on support from the Department of and Local Government.
Smart thinking by a cash -strapped government!
Under the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008, the regulator is able to charge fees, following consultation and approval by the Secretary of State.
The regulator is believed to be seeking assurances that it could retain the income generated and also have the freedom to decide how the money is spent. (It is already restructuring & creating a large number of extra chiefs).
David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said a fee structure would need to “increase the resources available and improve regulation”. He added: “There cannot be a situation where funding to the HCA is cut and housing associations’ fees make up the shortfall”.
Isn`t this exactly what is happening? Housing Associations` primary income is from rents, and guess who pays the rents- the tenants.
Here is another hiden tax on the working man and there is still no real tenants` voice!
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