The South Holland District Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, to consider recommendations from its Cabinet regarding proposed amendments to the Contract Procedure Rules and the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2026/27. The meeting will also review the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan and Asset Management Strategy, alongside proposed housing rent increases for the upcoming year.

Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and Asset Management Strategy

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan 2026-2056 and the HRA Asset Management Strategy 2026-2035. These documents, developed in partnership with Savills and informed by extensive consultation with tenants and councillors, outline the council's long-term approach to maintaining and enhancing its housing stock.

The HRA Business Plan aims to ensure the financial sustainability of the council's housing stock over a 30-year period. It details projected income and expenditure, including significant investment in the housing stock, which is described as the largest investment programme in the history of the South Holland HRA. This investment is intended to meet government expectations for safe, decent, and energy-efficient council homes. The plan includes an increase in borrowing to fund this programme, which is stated to be both affordable and necessary.

The Asset Management Strategy translates these ambitions into a five-year capital investment programme. It outlines objectives such as bringing stock up to the revised Decent Homes Standard by 2035 and meeting Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) by 2030. The strategy incorporates feedback from tenant and member consultations, with priorities including extending the lifecycles of key components like kitchens and bathrooms, investing in energy efficiency, and improving neighbourhoods. The strategy also proposes a modest programme for the acquisition and development of new homes.

The report notes that the HRA Business Plan and Asset Management Strategy will be updated annually to reflect the latest operating costs and capital programme costs. The council's commitment to these plans is seen as delivering on corporate priorities of efficiency and effectiveness, as well as engaging with housing tenants to shape service delivery.

Proposed Amendments to Contract Procedure Rules

The council is scheduled to consider proposed amendments and updates to its Contract Procedure Rules. These rules govern how the council procures goods, services, and works, ensuring fairness, transparency, and value for money. The report detailing these proposed changes is available for review.

Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27

A key item on the agenda is the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for the financial year 2026/27. This scheme determines how the council provides financial assistance to residents on low incomes to help them pay their council tax bill. The report from the Cabinet meeting on 16 December 2025 will be considered in relation to this item.

Housing Rents 2026/27

The council is also set to consider proposals for housing rents for 2026/27. This agenda item seeks approval for the applicable rent increase allowable under the Direction on the Rent Standard for council tenants and other housing tenures. The report from the Assistant Director – Housing will provide details on the proposed rent adjustments.

Delegated Authority for Inquorate Parish Councils

The meeting will consider a report seeking delegated authority for the Chief Executive to make Orders under Section 91 of the Local Government Act 1972. This would allow for the temporary appointment of named individuals as Parish Councillors in instances where a parish council is unable to form a quorum.

Service Reviews: Strategic Growth and Development, and Culture and Regeneration

Finally, the council is scheduled to consider and agree two proposed service reviews. One review will focus on the Strategic Growth and Development service, and the other on the Culture and Regeneration service. These reviews are intended to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of these council services. The reports from the Director for Economic Development will be presented for consideration.