Homes for Reading to close in defeat for families

Homes for Reading is a housing company set up by Reading Borough Council in 2016 acting as a rental landlord. 

During its time in operation, it acquired 101 homes throughout the borough, which were let out to individuals and families. 

Now all 101 of those homes will be absorbed into the council's housing stock, despite the protests of families and individuals hoping to stay, and a petition with 1,125 signatures calling for the council to keep the tenants in their homes. 

The petition stated the council's aim to absorb the homes into its housing stock would lead to 400 people being evicted. 

At the time, Rowan Perry-Lee, a mum with four daughters said: "When we arrived here we were promised security. We were previously evicted as a revenge eviction. 

“It’s very disheartening that we have been given all promises to say that the council plans to take the home away from us."

READ MORE: Couple's plea as family of six faces eviction due to upcoming closure of council-owned housing company

The announcement of the closure of Homes for Reading was made today (Wednesday, July 17). 

In order for the homes to be absorbed into the council's housing stock, the council legally requires the homes to be vacant.  

Justifying the decision, the council's Labour administration stated that the houses will be re-provided as much-needed key worker homes at affordable rents. 

However, Mrs Perry-Lee said herself, her husband and several other Homes for Reading tenants are key workers themselves. 

The Perry-Lee family who rent a Homes for Reading house. Credit: Rowan Perry-Lee

All of the tenants will be evicted when each individual tenancy ends, meaning Mrs Perry-Lee and her family of six will have to move.

The decision was undertaken following 'an extensive consultation'. 

READ MORE: Reading Borough councillors grilled on decision to evict Homes for Reading families 

Some of the tenancies have already expired, meaning those affected have already moved on. 

Matt Yeo (Labour, Caversham) the lead councillor for housing said: “I’d like to thank all the tenants who took part in the consultation for their valued input and their engagement.

“We have considered their feedback and comments and we have arrived at this conclusion having considered every possible option.

“I recognise the impact this decision will have on the 94 families who are still in these properties, and I am sorry for the disruption and inconvenience it may cause them.

“Officers from the council will be working actively with every one of our tenants between now and 2026 to help them find alternative suitable housing.

“Ultimately the difficult financial circumstances all councils now find themselves in mean we have a responsibility to look after our finances to support the provision of services that residents rely on. We must prioritise the interests of all residents and communities we serve, who depend on the Council remaining financially viable.”