Decision

Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts proposed the Council accepted the recommendations in the report.  This proposal was seconded by Councillor Mandy Chilcott.

The proposal was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED

That Full Council approve:

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 and Charges for 2025/26

a.     The Service Charges for 2025/26 as shown in Appendix A of the report for Homes in Sedgemoor and Appendix B of the report 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.