Simple Affordable Rent Setting Policy (Multiple Languages)

Affordable Rent Setting Policy – Easy Read

This is a simple version of Beacon Cymru Group’s policy on affordable rent.

It covers:

• How Beacon chooses rent amounts
• How we ensure rent stays affordable
• What rent covers
• What to do if you’re worried about rent

Purpose of this policy

This policy shows how we:

• Decide the rent amount
• Keep rent as low as possible
• Balance low rent with good homes and services

Rent helps Beacon:

• Fix and maintain homes
• Provide housing services
• Build new homes
• Support local communities

What residents care about

Residents say it’s important that:

• Rent is affordable
• Homes are well cared for
• Services give good value
• Rent changes are clear
• Beacon listens to their opinions

We use this feedback when setting rents.

What is affordable rent?

Affordable rent means:

• Rent shouldn’t use up too much of your income
• You should still afford essentials like food and bills

Beacon checks affordability using a “Living Rent” approach.

What is the “Living Rent” check?

The Living Rent check considers:

• Average local wages
• Cost of living
• How much income is spent on rent

As a rule of thumb:

• Rent should be no more than about 28% of income
• Rent plus service charges should be no more than about 33% of income

This keeps rents fair.

Different types of homes and rent

Not all homes have the same rent rules. Beacon offers various homes, such as:

• Regular or general needs homes
• Intermediate rent homes
• Shared ownership homes
• Supported housing with partners
• Homes for people 55+, including Extra Care schemes

Rent may vary by home type.

What rent pays for

Your rent covers:

• Daily housing services
• Repairs and maintenance
• Safety checks
• Upgrades like new kitchens or heating
• Preparing empty homes for new residents
• Loan costs for new home building

Beacon is not-for-profit. Extra money goes back into homes and services.

How rent changes are decided

Each year:

• Beacon reviews rent levels
• We check affordability
• Recommendations go to Beacon’s Board
• The Board makes the final decision

We aim to keep increases low while keeping services effective.

Equality and fairness

We treat everyone the same. Rent setting does not discriminate based on:

• Age
• Disability
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sex
• Sexual orientation
• Gender reassignment
• Pregnancy or maternity
• Marriage or civil partnership

We try to meet diverse needs and reduce disadvantages.

Protecting your information

We keep your information safe. We:

• Use it for legal purposes only
• Store it securely
• Follow data protection laws

Welsh language

You can communicate with us in Welsh or English. Let us know your preference.

Complaints and challenges

If you have concerns about:

Your rent level

A rent increase

How your rent was set

You can:

• Contact Beacon to talk about it
• Complain using our Complaints Policy
• Sometimes ask for a review by a Rent Assessment Committee (your rent might go up, down, or stay the same)

We will listen and explain clearly.

Need help?

If you need help understanding this document, contact us at 01792 479200 or [email protected]. Our team will explain it in a way that suits you.