Wolverhampton Homes
Fencing programme
2009 - 2014
Here is Wolverhampton Home’s fencing programme running from 2009 to 2014.
This booklet contains information about the first years of the programme, if you home isn’t listed it will be in a later phase.
There are over 13,000 properties which need fencing improvements and the programme will be regularly reviewed by Local Area Forums. The second phase of the programme will be published in 2012.
Please read the fencing questions and answers first and then refer to the five year programme. This programme only covers houses.
Please look for your street name in the third column, then the second column will tell you what year your fencing is due to be improved.
If you have any more questions please call Homes Direct on 01902 556789.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the fencing improvement programme begin?
The current programme began in April 2009 and is scheduled to run for several years.
When will my fencing be improved?
This will depend upon where your property is in the programme. Details of the first five years of the programme has been published and is available in the below file.
Copies are also available from Homes Direct on 01902 556789 or any of our local housing offices.
How has the programme been decided?
It has been agreed that the programme will be undertaken in the same order as external works of the decent homes programme.
Will I have to pay for fencing?
Yes. Tenants have told us that a fencing improvement programme is very important and provides a greater sense of security and will reduce nuisance. Therefore anyone who receives improved fencing will have a weekly service charge levied (currently £1.75).
Why do you have to charge £1.75 per week?
Simply because there isn’t enough money available. The current level of resources of around £500,000 per year is insufficient. The average cost of fencing and land reclamation is £1,700 per property which means that it will take almost 50 years to replace all the fencing. A fencing charge used solely for fencing improvements will mean that all fencing will be improved within 18 years.
Will I have to pay the charge immediately?
No. You will only have to pay when the fencing has been improved at your property.
What if I have paid for my own fencing, will I still have to pay the charge?
No. You will only pay the charge where new fencing is provided by Wolverhampton Homes.
What happens if my fencing needs repair?
This will be undertaken by Wolverhampton Homes if there is a health and safety risk and has not occurred because of damage or neglect.
What if I am in receipt of Housing Benefit?
Anyone who receives housing benefit will be protected as a fencing charge is eligible for housing benefit when it is a condition of the tenancy agreement.
Will I have a choice and be able to opt out?
Only in exceptional circumstances. The provision for a fencing service charge is included within the tenancy agreement and unless the fencing has recently been replaced and/or is in good condition and likely to last a further 15 years, then it will be improved.
What does the fencing look like?
This is of high specification, normally 2 metres; close board panels with concrete posts and gravel boards, developed with tenants and should last between 15 and 20 years.
What happens if my neighbours are owner occupiers?
There will be a contribution from the owner occupier in accordance with any terms of sale. However this will not prevent tenants having fencing improvements carried out.
What if I live in a flat/maisonette where there is communal fencing, will all the tenants pay the charge?
No. Communal fencing will not be charged.
What if my property is not currently listed in the five year programme?
Your property will be in a later phase. There are over 13,000 properties that require fencing improvements and the programme will be regularly reviewed by Local Area Forums. The second phase of the programme will be published in 2012.
Can you tell me in which year my fencing will be improved?
Not unless your property is in the first five years of the programme.
My property is included in the programme what happens now?
You will be contacted around 6-8 weeks before the work is due to commence when you will be able to ask questions and be sure of what work will be carried out.
Do I have to do anything in the meantime?
You will need to make sure your garden is accessible and the boundary is clear of any obstruction to allow a fence to be erected. If not you may be charged.
What happens if over the years my garden has been reduced in size and a waste land has been created?
The fencing will be erected in accordance with the boundary line shown on the deeds to your property. You will then be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the reclaimed garden.