Purpose

Recommendations to full Council
in respect of the housing revenue account for 2025/26.

Content

Recommend to Full Council (Budget and policy
framework):
 
(1) The HRA Revenue budget for
2025/26 and revised budget for 2024/25 as set out at Appendix 1 to
the report.
 
(2) The five-year HRA Capital
Programme as set out at Appendix 2 to the report.
 
(3) An increase of 2.7% to
social and affordable rents (including shared ownership) with
effect from 7 April 2025 in line with government policy
 
(4) When social rented
supported accommodation properties are relet to new tenants, the
applicable rent will be increased by 10% above target rent with
effect from 7 April 2025 in line with government policy
 
(5) When affordable rented
properties are relet to new tenants, the applicable rent is reset
to a maximum of 80% of market rent (inclusive of Service Charges)
with effect from 7 April 2025 in line with government
policy
 
(6) That the revised service
charges as set out in paragraphs 2.4 of the report and Appendix 3
are implemented with effect from 7 April 2025
 
(7) An increase of 10% to
Garage rents with effect from 7 April 2025.
 
(8) To grant delegated
authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet
Portfolio holder for Finance and Resources and the Chief Finance
Officer to devolve the relevant Management Fee from now the former
Eastbourne Homes Limited (EHL) to services inside the
HRA.
 
(9) To note that £2.227m
of Major Works capital expenditure profiled over 4 years between
2024/25 to 2027/28 is being 50% match funded by grant, subject to
government grant bids. The Government scheme aims for improve EPC
ratings in HRA properties.