Kirklees Council has approved a 4.8% rise in council rents from April 2026 to support a £390m capital programme aimed at strengthening the authority’s housing portfolio. The increase aligns with national rent standards and extends to service charges, including grounds maintenance and Extra Care provision. A Government review of rent convergence may add a further £2 per week to standard rent levels.
Councillor Moses Crook, Cabinet Member for Transport and Housing, said, “It is always our absolute priority to make sure our tenants are living in safe, secure and decent homes – and are supported through these increases in charges.
“As in previous years, the proposed rent increases have been carefully considered in response to the financial pressures facing us as a social housing provider. These proposals are shaped by our commitment to maintaining essential services, aligning with our strategic priorities as a landlord, and to ensuring our tenants continue to receive high-quality housing provision.”
He continued, “Given the ongoing financial challenges, it is imperative that we focus investment on safeguarding and enhancing our housing stock. Every tenant deserves a home that is safe and meets the required quality standards, and the capital investment outlined in the accompanying report is designed to ensure our homes remain fit for purpose, now and in the future. I am confident this approach will deliver meaningful improvements for our tenants and the wider community.”
For businesses operating across construction, maintenance, and building services, the council’s five-year investment plan signals a sustained pipeline of work. Priority areas include safety compliance, electrical upgrades, heating systems, roofing, window replacements, kitchen modernisation, and refurbishment across retirement living schemes. Contractors offering specialist fire safety and building performance services are expected to see increased demand.
Kirklees will also move forward with a new-build strategy to expand its housing stock and address local supply pressures. The next phase will define build priorities and allocate capital, paving the way for future procurement.
Financial support for tenants has been confirmed, which the council expects will help maintain payment stability. Rent levels are still projected to remain among the lowest in West Yorkshire, supporting long-term revenue reliability as the investment programme accelerates.
The combined measures position the borough for significant capital activity, with clear implications for suppliers, developers, and service partners preparing for multi-year opportunities.
