Decision

RESOLVED: Cabinet;
1.    
Approved for consultation the draft Housing Revenue
Account budget 2025-26.
2.    
Approved for consultation the 2.7% (£3.01)
increase in average rents from £111.79 to £114.80 per
week, in accordance with the government’s amended Rent
Standard with effect from 1 April 2025.
3.    
Approved the 2.7% increase in tenants and
leaseholder service charges excluding utilities with effect from 1
April 2025 as set out in Appendix 5.
4.    
Approved the 2.7% increase in garage rents and
commuter surcharges with effect from 1 April 2025. This will
increase the average rent per garage from £11.80 to
£12.12 and the commuter surcharge from £18.75 to
£19.26 per week respectively, as set out in Appendix
5.
5.    
Approved the draft 2025-26 management fee to
Northamptonshire Partnership Homes in appendix 4 to deliver the
services in scope within the management agreement.
6.    
Approved for consultation the draft HRA Capital
Programme for 2025-26 to 2029-30.
 
REASONS RESOLVED:
The Council has a statutory
duty to set a balanced Housing Revenue Account budget each year, as
well as a financially sustainable capital programme.
 
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:
The Council has a legal duty to
set a balanced budget each year, bearing in mind its fiduciary
duties to the taxpayer, and the HRA is not allowed to go into
deficit by law. In exercising these duties, the Council must comply
with various legislation and administrative duties.