Brunswick Private Finance Initiative (PFI)
Questions and answers
What is the Brunswick PFI?
The Private Finance Initiative (or PFI for short) is a combination of government funding, private investment and expertise that will revitalise Brunswick. It's a successful partnership with experts in development, housing and finance; blending private investment with not-for-profit values. The successful PFI partner will be responsible for making improvements and managing the neighbourhood for the next 25 years.
What sort of improvements will the PFI bring?
See the improvements.
Why do the plans keep changing? Why is it taking so long? When will there be a final plan?
Unfortunately it has taken us longer than we first thought to finalise the regeneration plans. The funding is now confirmed, but we still need to formally show the government that the project will be delivered properly and will be good value for money. We are working through this process with the government now. Things are happening later than we expected, but we hope improvement work can start towards the end of 2012.
Will council rents increase to pay for the improvements?
As you will remain a council tenant, the council will continue to set rents. The improvements will be paid for with government funding and not with higher rents.
Will I remain a council tenant?
Yes, if you are currently a council tenant, we will continue as your landlord. You will keep all of the rights you have now including the right to buy your home. The successful partner will manage the housing and the neighbourhood on our behalf for the next 25 years.
I need a repair to my council home, what shall I do?
Although major upgrades to homes will be postponed until the PFI starts, it's business as usual for the council's housing service. So, if you need a repair, or have any other housing related query contact us in the normal ways. See Council housing.
When will I know for definite if my home is due to be demolished?
Plans from Fern and Solutions 4 Brunswick displayed at the open days will show which properties they propose to demolish. It is likely these will differ in each set of plans, so we won't be able to say for certain which properties are to be demolished until we select our PFI partner in spring 2012. We will contact everyone affected then to arrange an interview to discuss your options.
We will offer a replacement council home in the local area so everyone can enjoy the area's long-term future. This will be a 'like-for-like' property; so if you have a three-bedroom home, we'll offer you another three-bedroom home. You will also get 'home loss' and 'disturbance' payments to help with moving costs and expenses. We'll give you more detail when there's a definite plan in place. See the rehousing guarantee.
What guarantees are there for homeowners whose homes will be demolished?
We will pay you the market value for your home. You'll also get additional 'home loss' and 'disturbance' payments to help with moving costs and expenses. If you want to buy a new home in the area we'll help you to do so. We'll give you more detail when there's a definite plan in place. See the rehousing guarantee.
Some homes are being 'reversed', so the backs become the front. If this happens to me, will my address change and will I have to pay for that?
This is all about changing the layout of the estate to improve safety and security. Some addresses will change. If this happens to you, you won't have to pay anything.
I need to redecorate my home - what should I do?
We are expecting regeneration work to start in Brunswick towards the end of 2012, with refurbishments and demolitions phased over several years. Once we have selected a final PFI Partner in spring 2012 we will have a better idea of where and when the work will be done. You can still do some minor decoration or maintenance to your home, but it would be unwise to make significant improvements such as window replacements until you know what's happening to your home. If you are a council tenant and your home is not being demolished, it will be refurbished as part of the PFI.
What happens to people living in Elizabeth Yarwood Court?
The regeneration proposals include new sheltered housing to replace Elizabeth Yarwood Court. There will be 60 bedrooms, with extra facilities and on-site care staff. If you live in Elizabeth Yarwood Court you can move to this brand new housing if you want.
What is happening to empty buildings?
We have demolished the old Medlock primary school and Hillside Resource Centre. We will make sure these sites are safe and secure until new building work starts. We are discussing the future of the old health centre with the the NHS.
Will I get a choice of a shower as well as a bath?
Both potential partners (the Fern Consortium and Solutions 4 Brunswick) plan to fit a shower over the bath as part of the refurbishment. But they won't fit a walk-in shower or walk-in bath. If you need an adaptation like this please contact our Adult Social Care advisers.
Will homeowners have the option of buying refurbishment works such as new bathrooms?
As part of the PFI contract, refurbishments will be available to homeowners at a set rate - which will include the savings made form buying in bulk. Look out for more information when the contract is signed.
Where can I get independent advice?
See how to get independent advice about the proposals and how they affect you.
I'm a leaseholder. How does this all affect me?
See how leaseholders are affected.
How can we be sure that council tenants will get a high standard of service from the new partnership?
Legally, the PFI partner that takes over management of the estate from the council must meet service standards set out in the PFI contract. If they don't deliver, they will get financial penalties.
When will work start?
We hope work towards the end of 2012. It will take several years to complete the whole estate. We'll consult you well in advance of work starting on your home.
