A repairs scheme for homes in an inner city community has been scaled down due to funding problems.
Leeds City Council said 240 terraced homes in Holbeck would get upgrades including new roofs, doors, windows and insulation. But the number of homes covered has fallen to 180 after the budget for the scheme fell by around £1m.
Some £7.4m will now be spent on home improvements under the latest phase of the council’s Heart of Holbeck project.
The council said a delay in agreeing government Levelling Up funding, and problems with a grants scheme called ECO 4, were behind the budget reduction. A spokesperson said:
“Following the removal of ECO funding, it is estimated that funding has reduced by £1m. There is approximately £7.4m in funding for this scheme currently, with the target to deliver improvements to a minimum of 180 homes by 2027. Should more funding become available more properties will be targeted.”
A council report said Equans Regeneration had been approved as contractor to carry out the Holbeck repairs. A 56-week contract period was due to start in January 2026 on the scheme, open to eligible privately-owned and rented homes. Owners and landlords who sign up agree to pay up to 25 per cent of the work costs.
The report said: “This will allow tenants and residents to benefit from improvements to their homes such as new roofs, windows, doors as well improved energy efficiency measures including external wall insulation.”
A repairs scheme for 240 homes was first approved in April 2024 by the council’s executive board.
The report said: “However, given the delay in the Levelling UP 3 programme being agreed with the council, the loss of ECO 4 funding and subsequent price rises, the existing budget will allow 180 homes to be improved.”
The improvement scheme follows two earlier phases of work which saw 299 properties improved since 2018.
This post was written by Dom Mort, Local Democracy Reporter
Photo: Improved properties on Recreation View in Holbeck (Google)
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