Liberal Democrat councillors have been accused of “not telling the whole truth” about the replacement of 96 socially rented homes in South Oxhey.

When plans to redevelop the precinct first emerged, it was declared that all of the 96 homes made available at the lowest possible social rent rates would be replaced by 48 in nearby Bridlington Road, with a further 48 provided at Maylands Road and Hallowes Crescent.

The Liberal Democrats’ recent Hayling Opinion leaflet sings the praises of the new development as “keeping to plan and budget”.

However vital facts appear to be omitted after it was revealed that the Maylands Road and Hallowes Crescent homes will cease being available for the lowest possible social rents after the first tenancy, instead switching to “Three Rivers affordable rent” – rising by more than £60 per month.  

“They promised like for like, they’re not delivering like for like, and now they’re trying to bamboozle people,” said Labour Cllr Stephen Cox.

Cllr Cox criticised the ambiguity of the leaflet where it describes the intention to provide more homes at “cheap” rent as the project continues.

“They are not giving people the whole truth or the full facts. What does it mean by cheap?” added Cllr Cox.

“They have deliberately chosen not to reveal just how expensive the rents will be. This is not a matter of terminology, it is a matter of pounds, shillings and pence.”

Cllr Sara Bedford replied: "This is merely an argument over the meaning of words, and has no effect on the rents that current or future tenants will pay.

“The facts are that tenants moving into the new properties will pay no more than they currently do, whilst some future tenants will pay a few pounds a week more.

“No tenant will pay above the social rent level defined by the housing charity Shelter, and all will pay around £500 less per month than tenants renting privately. 

"The plans for the new homes, shops and community facilities are on plan, on target and on budget, with the council working in partnership with Countryside and the Home Group. Several local young people have been taken on as apprentices. 

"Like former Cllr Harris, Cllr Cox continues not to understand the conditions placed on the council by the government in 2015, nor the huge benefits of providing new homes at low rent and shared ownership, plus new shops and other community facilities. It appears that he is more interested in political mischief-making. "

The loss of social housing has been attributed to a breakdown in communication between Three Rivers District Council and the government’s Home and Communities Agency.

When the council applied for nearly £3 million in funding towards the construction of the new homes, it did not realise that a condition meant rents would rise when half of the tenants moved.

At the time, neither organisation checked how the agreement had been interpreted, meaning only 48 homes will have the lowest “social” rent in perpetuity.