Purpose

To consider and
approve the rent setting policy for 2026-27 in relation to Housing
Revenue Account Properties.

Content

RESOLVED –
 

1)   
That approval be given to the rent uplifts by an average of
£4.19 per week (CPI, 3.8% +1%) and service charges payable
between 0.01p and £0.87 per week (4.8%) from 1 April 2026,
after taking into consideration the affordability to tenants, as
summarised in Appendix 1

2)   
That approval be given to the increase the rent by a further
£1 or £2 per week in line with the government
announcement to move towards rent convergence.

3)   
That approval be given to increase the service charge for communal
grounds maintenance services capped at £1.00 per week each
year until full cost recovery is achieved.

4)   
That approval be given to increase the charges for Extra Care
Services – Intensive Housing Management to be uplifted by
between £1.47 and £3.74 (4.8%) and Extra Care Services
– Night Care Service to be uplifted by £1.13 per week
(4.8%).

5)   
That the national and local financial challenges outlined as part
of the HRA budget proposals for 2026-27 be noted.

6)   
That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Place in
consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Housing to
approve any changes to the rate for sheltered heating and district
heating.

7)   
That the draft HRA Revenue Budget for 2026/27 be recommended to
Council in February 2026 for approval as outlined at appendix 2

8)   
That the revised proposed five-year Capital Plan Budget be
recommended to Council for approval as outlined at appendix 6.
(Funding summary Appendix 4)