Decision

Salford City Council - Record of Decision

I, Councillor Tracy Kelly, Statutory Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing & Anti-Poverty, in exercise of the powers contained within the City Council Constitution, do hereby approve:

Adjustments to Duchy Caravan Park rent charges for 2026/27, as set out in Section 2 of the report.

The Reasons are: The proposed rent increase is considered necessary to support the long term sustainability of the site. This increase will enable recovery of site operating costs, continue maintenance of site assets and a contribute to the maintenance reserve.

Options considered and rejected were: Do nothing – This option is not financially viable to maintain a healthy budget position.

Assessment of Risk: Medium – Without the ability to bring in an increase in additional income this will impact significantly on the budget position and the future sustainability of the site.

The source of funding is: Revenue Funding

Legal Advice obtained: Supplied by: Tony Hatton

Since the Council took the management of the Duchy site back in house from Salix Homes in 2021, rents have increased each year in line with RPI in accordance with the Mobile Homes Act 1883 and the terms of the Pitch Agreements in place with residents.  The proposed increases are reflective of the agreements and are properly being introduced, with an EIA already having been completed to assess and identify possible impacts on residents.

Service charges are separate charges to the  rent charges payable by the resident/leaseholder to the Council for the services the Council is obliged to provide under the terms of the agreement between them, and have been dealt with by way of earlier report for approval.

Financial Advice obtained: Supplied by Ethan Bestwick, Accountant

The current expected rental income from the site is £97,868. After applying the 4.5% uplift, the projected income increases to £102,272. This income is not guaranteed, as with any landlord activity, the Council is exposed to periods of vacant plots and the risk of tenants falling into arrears. The site does not generate a surplus, as all income is reinvested into ongoing maintenance and essential renovations.

Procurement Advice obtained: N/A

HR Advice obtained: N/A

Climate Change Advice obtained: N/A

The following documents have been used to assist the decision process:

All information is contained within the report

Contact Officer: Jane Barlow – Service Manager Contracts

Jane.barlow@salford.gov.uk

This decision is not subject to consideration by another Lead Member.

The appropriate scrutiny panel to call-in the decision is the Growth & Prosperity Scrutiny Panel.         

Signed: Councillor Kelly                                   Dated: 24th February 2026

Statutory Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing & Anti-Poverty

This decision was published on 24th February 2026.

This decision will come into force at 4.00 p.m. on 3rd March 2026, unless it is called-in in accordance with the decision-making process rules.