General FAQ's
About the Garages
Will the garages be improved too?
At the moment, the review has focused on the residential buildings rather than the garages. A separate study will be carried out to look at the future of the garages, including possible improvements and the costs involved.
Right to Buy
Can I still buy my home through Right to Buy if refurbishment goes ahead?
Yes. If you are a secure tenant and meet the Right to Buy eligibility rules, your Right to Buy will not usually be affected by refurbishment works. The only exception would be if the Council formally decides to demolish your building. In that situation, Right to Buy may be suspended or stopped following the legal process and the necessary approvals.
If My Building Is Demolished
Will I be offered another home if I need to move?
Yes. If you are a Council tenant, the Council will work with you to find suitable accommodation based on your household's needs and the Housing Allocations Policy.
Will I still be a Council tenant?
Yes, unless you choose another option, such as moving to a Housing Association property or finding your own accommodation.
Will I keep my tenancy rights?
Yes. If you move to another Council property, your tenancy rights will normally remain the same. Any time built up in the demolished property would also count towards another eligible property, if you decide in the future to apply for the ‘right to buy’ another social housing property.
Will I receive compensation?
Yes. Eligible residents would receive statutory compensation and help with moving costs.
How much notice will I be given if I have to move?
If the decision is made to demolish your building you would be given plenty of notice, support and information throughout the process, as soon as this is decided. The Council would work with residents to plan moves carefully and avoid unnecessary disruption.
Will I be able to move near my current neighbourhood, family, school or support network?
The Council will take your circumstances into account when identifying suitable rehousing options, although this cannot always be guaranteed.
Repairs and Maintenance
Will repairs still be carried out if demolition is being considered?
Yes. The Council will continue to maintain your home and carry out repairs in accordance with the Tenancy Agreement and relevant legislation and statutory guidance.
Will repairs still be carried out while decisions are being made?
Yes. The Council will continue to maintain homes and buildings and carry out repairs in accordance with the Tenancy Agreement and relevant legislation and statutory guidance.
Will emergency repairs still be attended to?
Yes. Emergency and essential repairs will continue regardless of any future decisions about the building.
Rent and Charges
Will my rent increase after refurbishment?
Council rents are reviewed each year as part of the Council's annual budget-setting process. Any future changes would be considered in the same way as for all Council homes.
Will I still pay full rent if some areas or facilities are temporarily unavailable during the works?
The Council will aim to keep disruption to a minimum. Although some temporary interruptions may happen, these are expected to be short-term. Rent and service charges would continue as normal unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Will service charges increase after refurbishment?
Any potential changes to service charges would depend on the services being provided, would be explained to residents in advance and subject to the relevant legal procedures.
The Refurbishment Works
How can the Council afford the refurbishment if costs have increased?
The previous option agreed in principle in 2023, to demolish all blocks and rebuild, is now too costly. This is why the Council has carried out a review to understand what the options are now. Costs for the two options we are asking you to consider are currently estimated as £42.4 million for full refurbishment of all 10 blocks, or £32 million for full refurbishment of 7 blocks, and the demolition of 3 blocks.
The Council has looked at how these two options can be paid for, and will continue to review the financial position in further detail to make sure any preferred option is affordable. This includes looking for external funding and grant opportunities where available. Recently, the Council has secured Government grant funding for fire safety remediation work to these blocks, which will help towards the overall cost of full refurbishment.
Will work take place inside my flat as well as outside the building?
The Council regularly surveys homes to understand what improvements may be needed. If internal works are identified as part of the investment programme, these would be included where appropriate.
Will communal areas be improved too?
There may be opportunities to redecorate and improve communal areas, such as entrance halls, corridors and stairwells, as part of the overall programme.
How long would the refurbishment take?
The timescale will depend on the final scope of works. Residents will be informed of the programme and key milestones before work begins.
Will I have to move out while refurbishment takes place?
It is expected that residents will be able to remain in their homes while refurbishment works are completed wherever possible. There may be periods of disruption while work is being carried out, and additional support would be provided where residents have specific needs or vulnerabilities . If temporary moves are needed because of these needs, residents would be fully consulted and supported throughout the process.
Will there be noise and disruption?
Major works can be disruptive at times. Contractors will be expected to minimise noise, manage access safely, and keep residents informed about planned works.
Will lifts, heating, parking or other services be affected?
There may occasionally be temporary interruptions while work is taking place. The Council will aim to keep these to a minimum and will provide advance notice wherever possible.
Contractors and Site Management
Who will pay for electricity used by contractors during the works?
The Council will provide the facilities needed for contractors to carry out the works safely, including electricity, site welfare facilities and other operational requirements.
How will the work be monitored?
The Council will oversee the project and monitor contractors to make sure work is completed safely and to the required standards.
Questions for Leaseholders
Will I have to contribute towards the cost of the refurbishment?
Possibly. Whether you contribute, and how much, depends on the terms of your lease. Any charges would be subject to the formal process under Section 20 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 before work begins.
Will the value of my property increase?
Improvements may have a positive impact on property values, but this depends on wider housing market conditions and other economic factors.
Will further major works be needed in the future?
The aim is for the refurbishment to address the known issues affecting the building. However, all buildings require ongoing maintenance over time.
I have been unable to sell my flat. Will the Council buy it?
The Council may consider requests to purchase leasehold properties on a case-by-case basis, depending on the circumstances and available resources.
If My Leasehold Flat Is in a Building That May Be Demolished
Will the Council buy my flat?
Yes. If the building is approved for demolition, the Council would need to acquire affected leasehold properties.
Will I receive compensation?
Yes. You would normally receive:
- Payment for the market value of your property.
- Home loss compensation where applicable.
- Reasonable disturbance and moving costs in line with legal requirements.
How will the value of my property be assessed?
The Council would value the property and ask you to seek your own independent valuation to determine the market value of your property. The negotiated price may end up above or below the valuation depending on commercial negotiations.
What if I disagree with the valuation?
There would be a process for discussing the valuation and you would be encouraged to seek independent advice.
If I rent out my flat, will the Council rehouse my tenant?
Your tenant's housing circumstances would be assessed individually under the Housing Allocations Policy. The Council cannot guarantee rehousing in every case, but support and advice would be provided.
Need More Information?
If you have any questions about the proposals, please contact the project team:
Telephone: 01782 231174 – and leave a message
Email: towerblocks@stoke.gov.uk
We understand that proposals such as these may cause uncertainty. We are committed to keeping residents informed, listening to your views and providing support throughout the process.