£68million improvements planned for council housing in Bournemouth and Poole
Enhancements to include kitchen upgrades, better roofs, and increased energy efficiency
Last updated 6th Feb 2026
Bournemouth and Poole will see £68million invested in improving council housing, aiming to provide safer, warmer homes with better quality facilities.
Plans outlined in the 2026/27 Housing Revenue Account budget include £43million allocated for major works, such as upgrading kitchens and bathrooms, improving roofs and windows, and implementing stronger safety measures.
An additional £25million will go towards planned maintenance works.
In the next four years, £2.3million will be spent on boosting energy efficiency in council homes, with £2.8million allocated annually afterward to reduce carbon emissions.
The budget also details a rent increase of 4.8 per cent for council housing tenants, set by the government.
This is based on a rise in the Consumer Price Index by 3.8 per cent in the year to September 2024, with an additional 1 per cent increase permissible.
Average weekly rent in Bournemouth will see a rise of £5.25 to reach £114.67, while in Poole the increase will be £5.21, bringing the total to £113.84.
Councils do have the option to apply a lower increase, freeze, or reduce rents.
Councillor Kieron Wilson presented the report and stated, “Next year we’re investing £43million in major works across the housing stock and a further £25million in planned maintenance.”
He emphasized the importance of leadership and transparency, saying, "While we did recently receive a C1 judgement and the regulator did praise our leadership, transparency and improvements in safety, our focus is to keep improving.”
Councillor Sandra Moore highlighted the benefits of decent housing, noting, “For me there is a clear correlation between decent housing and better outcomes for residents. For example, well-maintained housing minimizes the risk of respiratory health issues and trips and falls.”
After the meeting, Councillor Wilson discussed the broader impact of the Housing Revenue Account, saying, “At its core, the Housing Revenue Account exists to provide safe, warm and high quality homes, and ours is underpinned by a responsible long-term plan. This stability allows us to invest with confidence in our homes, our communities and the people who live in them."
He added, "This investment will enable £25million of major works across our housing stock, alongside a further £17million for new homes. This will deliver improvements such as better roofs and windows, stronger building safety measures, and more reliable essential components – helping to keep homes safe, comfortable and fit for the future. This will help us build new homes to meet housing needs while continuing to support our existing residents and communities.”
The Housing Revenue Account Budget was unanimously approved by the cabinet.