Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 22, 2025

Purpose:

Content:  RESOLVED: Cabinet;   1.     Approved for consultation the draft HRA budget 2026-27. 2.     Approved for consultation the 4.8% (£5.51) increase in average rents from £114.80 to £120.31 per week, in accordance with the government’s amended Rent Standard with effect from 1 April 2026. 3.     Approved for consultation the 4.8% increase in tenants and leaseholder service charges excluding utilities with effect from 1 April 2026 as set out in Appendix 5. 4.     Approved for consultation the 4.8% increase in garage rents and commuter surcharges with effect from 1 April 2026. This will increase the average rent per garage from £12.12 to £12.70 and the commuter surcharge from £19.26 to £20.19 per week respectively, as set out in Appendix 5. 5.     Approved for consultation the draft 2026-27 management fee to Northamptonshire Partnership Homes in appendix 4 to fund the services being delivered by and to NPH for the provision of landlord services 6.     Approved for consultation the draft HRA Capital Programme for 2026-27 to 2030-31.   REASONS RESOLVED: The Council has a statutory duty to set a balanced HRA 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.