Decision

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices, and discussion, the Executive resolved to endorse the recommendations and refer to Full Council for approval:

1. Rent Setting for 2025/26

a.    An increase of 2.7% on Dwelling Rents for 2025/26 in line with the Governments Rent Standard.

b.    An increase of 2.7% for Sheltered and Extra Care housing rents in line with the dwelling rents increase.

c.     An increase of 2.7% for Shared Ownership properties.

d.    An increase of 2.7% on affordable rental tenures, with the rent being reviewed at relet based on 80% of open market rent capped at the LHA rate.

1. Fees & Charges for 2025/26

a.    The service Charges for 2025/26 as shown in Appendix A for Homes in Sedgemoor and Appendix B for the In-House Service.

b.    An increase of 2.7% for garage rents in the North.

c.     A freeze on garage rents in the West.

d.    An increase of 1.7% on temporary accommodation daily rates.

e.    An increase of 1.7% for Meeting Hall hourly rental rates.

f.      An increase of 1.7% for Guest Room charges.

g.    To discontinue the lifeline subsidy from 1 April 2025 for all new tenants (whereas existing tenants will still benefit from this protection).

1. To note that the Revenue Budget for 2025/26, Capital Budget for 2025/26 to 2029/30, MTFP and 30-Year Business Plan Update will be presented to a later Executive / Full Council in February 2025.