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That Full Council be recommended to authorise
the Interim Director of Housing to adjust council rents and housing
related charges with effect from 1 April 2024 as follows:
 

(1)     That the housing
rental charges is increased by 7.7% which is the consumer price
index 6.7% (September 2023) plus 1%, which is equivalent to a 7.7%
increase.
 

(2)     That the housing
service charges increase by the consumer price index (CPI)+ 1%,
equivalent to a 7.7% increase.
 

(3)     That housing
service charge is implemented on properties not currently being
charged but are receiving the service in line with similar
properties receiving the service provision, including heating,
water and laundry facility following consultation with
residents.
 

(4)     That subject to
consultation with the residents of the site, to increase rent at
the traveller’s pitch in Hills View, Tipton by 7.7%.
 

(5)     That rental
charges for garage sites be increased in line with other council
fees and charges agreed by Cabinet and Council.
 

(6)     That properties
managed by Riverside under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI)
agreement receive a 7.7% rental increase and a 7.7% increase in
service charges to match the council’s rent and service
charge increase.
 
(7)     That properties that sit outside
the Housing Revenue Account (including service tenants for Parks,
Sandwell Valley and Caretaking) receive a 7.7% increase in rental
charges and service charges equivalent to CPI plus 1%.
 

(8)     That the
leaseholder annual management fee be increased by 7.7%, CPI + 1% in
2024/25 from £115.66 to £124.57.
 

(9)     That the Director
of Housing be authorised to implement adjustments to council rents
and housing related charges as set out in this report with effect
from 1 April 2024; and
 

(10)   That the Director of Housing
be authorised to introduce associated service charges in respect of
Building Safety Regulation requirements for Leasehold
properties.