Decision details

RESOLVED:

1)    That the Cabinet approve the proposed planned maintenance and improvement works programme 2023/24-2025/26, as set out in Appendix 2.

2)    That Cabinet recommends that Council approve the following:

a)    The HRA budget, as set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

b)    An increase in rents of 7.0% from the 2022/23 weekly rent level, in accordance with Government guidelines, from 03 April 2023.

c)     An increase in garage rents of 13% from the 2022/23 weekly rent level, from 03 April 2023.

d)    An increase in shared ownership property rents of 7% from the 2022/23 weekly rent level, varied from the allowed RPI +1% increase of 13.1% in accordance with Government request of the Housing Sector, from 03 April 2023.

e)    A further uplift in domestic energy service charges of up to a maximum of 25% and an increase of up to 7% in communal service charges in line with the annual rent increase, ahead of a wider review and consultation later in the year, from 03 April 2023.

f)      A Housing Capital Programme to 2025/26, as set out in Appendix 5 of the report.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

Report to Cabinet and Full Council.

PORTFOLIO:

Housing and Homelessness Services.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report on the Housing Revenue Account Budget and the Housing Sector Capital Expenditure Programme for 2023/24. He explained that the proposed rent levels and other charges, maintenance programme and proposed Housing Public Sector Capital Programme for 2023/24-2025/26 accounted for the on-going challenges facing Housing Authorities and Registered Providers.  The proposals, as set out in the report and its appendices, sought to increase rents in line with the Government’s current recommendation. In addition, the HRA budget and expenditure programme would strike the right balance to ensure that the Council continued to provide high quality services to tenants. The necessary programmes of maintenance and repairs to housing stock would take place along with the delivery of affordable new Council homes in the District.

Cabinet were reminded that the Tenant Involvement Groups were, overall, understanding of the fee increases and appreciative of the maintenance and refurbishment of housing stock.

It was accepted that the recommendations in the report acknowledged the financial pressures on the HRA and provided a reasonable and appropriate foundation that required the necessary maximum allowable uplift to income.