Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: February 10, 2025

Purpose:

Content: That Cabinet agrees:             To approve the Housing Revenue Account 2025/26 budget for council homes as set out in Table 1.   To approve the HRA 10-year Business Plan for Council Homes (2025/26 – 2034/35) as set out in paragraphs 3 - 4 of this report and Appendices 1 - 5.   To approve a rent increase of 2.7% from 7 April 2025 (in line with September 2024 CPI+1%), which equates to an average weekly increase for tenants of £3.65 in 2025/26.   To approve an increase to shared ownership rents of 2.7% from 1 April 2025 (in line with September 2024 CPI+1%).   To approve changes to tenant service charges to reflect the costs of providing communal services from 7 April 2025, which equate to an average weekly reduction for tenants of £1.32 in 2025/26.   To approve a reduction to charges for heating and hot water to reflect the costs of provision of the district heating service from 1 April 2025, which equate to an average weekly reduction for tenants and leaseholders on the scheme of £0.45 (communal heating), £1.99 (tenants’ personal heating) and £3.80 (leaseholders’ personal heating) in 2025/26.   To approve an increase to the management fee for temporary on licence properties of 1.7% (in line with September 2024 CPI) from 7 April 2025.   To approve an increase to the rent and service charges for hostels of 2.7% from 7 April 2025 (in line with September 2024 CPI+1%).   To increase garage charges for council tenants, resident leaseholders, and for other customers from 7 April 2025 by 1.7% (in line with September 2024 CPI).   To note that any change to parking charges on housing estates were considered separately with the Council’s parking plans at Cabinet in January 2025.   To increase car space rental charges for all customers by 1.7% from April 2025 (in line with September 2024 CPI).   To approve an increase in the Leasehold After Sale – Home Buy fees by 1.7% from April 2025 from £232 to £237 (in line with September 2024 CPI).   To approve an increase in the Leasehold Property Alterations fees by 1.7% from April 2025.