Enfield Council is planning to increase rents for its council tenants by 4.8% in the 2026/27 financial year. The decision, made by the council's Cabinet, aligns with government guidelines and aims to support ongoing investment in existing council homes and the delivery of new affordable housing.
The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2026/27, detailed in the HRA Budget Setting Report and Business Plan 2026/27, outlines proposed rent increases alongside a ten-year capital programme for investment in current stock and new developments.
This rent increase, which follows a 5% rise in the previous financial year, is attributed to rising inflation affecting all costs, including construction, interest rates on borrowing, and increased demand for repairs and maintenance services. The council also cited the need to meet regulatory compliance requirements, such as Awaab's Law, which came into effect in October 2025.
For social and affordable rent properties, the increase is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus 1%. The CPI for September 2025 was 3.8%, leading to the proposed 4.8% increase. The council stated that its rents remain low relative to other boroughs, with current rents being 17% below the formula rent.
Service charges for tenants and leaseholders receiving eligible services will also see an average increase of £0.21p per week. Charges for heating, garages, parking bays, and community halls are also set to rise.
The council's Ten Year Plan 2026-36 aims to deliver 3,000 high-quality, affordable homes over the next decade. This includes estate regeneration, major schemes, infill development, acquisitions, and rural placemaking. The plan is supported by a mixed-economy model, combining self-delivery, partnerships with registered providers, and innovative funding routes, including institutional investment.
Key projects within the plan include the Joyce and Snells Estate Regeneration Scheme, which will deliver 2,028 new homes, with at least 50% affordable. Meridian Water is also entering a new phase with £190m of Strategic Infrastructure Works nearing completion, set to unlock development land for over 1,500 new homes and significant commercial space. The council is also progressing plans for the Shires Estate, Edmonton Green, and rural placemaking areas in Crews Hill and Chase Park.
In addition to new builds, the council plans to invest in existing council homes to maintain decency standards, meet regulatory requirements, retrofit homes for energy efficiency, and address building safety risks. The proposed capital programme for 2026/27 is £476.4 million, with a ten-year programme totalling £2.06 billion. This investment will be funded through a combination of grants, capital receipts, HRA reserves, and borrowing.
