Plans to refurbish and retrofit five council-owned housing blocks in Kent have more than doubled in price since they were agreed last year.
In March 2023, Thanet District Council’s cabinet signed off plans to improve the tower blocks in Ramsgate, which are mostly used for social housing, for £19.9m.
Today, cabinet will be asked to increase the value of the project to £40.3m.
The scheme involves replacing wall insulation, putting in retrofit measures to boost energy efficiency, and improving structural and fire safety.
Costs have increased because additional essential fire safety works were identified, to improve the fire rating of the external wall system, and due to inflation, according to a report to cabinet.
The scheme will be funded through the council’s housing revenue account, government funding, and service charges to the leaseholders who own some of the flats.
The council said the cost increase would have a ‘minimal impact’ on the charge to leaseholders.
