Decision Maker: Executive Board

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: January 20, 2026

Purpose: To seek Members’ agreement on the budget for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2026/27, approve the resulting rent levels and for Members to approve the HRA Business Plan 2026/27 for submission to Welsh Government (WG)

Content: RESOLVED –   (i)       That the following rent levels be approved:   -        Wrexham continues to use a Target Rent for each type of property applying 4.3%% to current target rents for 2026/27   -        For properties that are below the Target Rents for 2026/27 – an increase of rent of 4.3%   -        For properties at or above the Target Rents for 2026/27 – no rent increase   -        An increase of 4.3% for garage rent to £10.41 (48 week basis)   -        An increase of 4,3% for garage plots (annual charge £68.98)   -        An increase of 4.3% for warden charge to £4.36 per week   -        An increase of 4.3% for charges for Travellers’ plots to £109.62 and £129.70 per week for larger plots (52 week basis)   (ii)      That the HRA budget for 2026/27 as set out in Appendix 1 to report COH/01/26 be approved.   (iii)     That the HRA Business Plan 2026/27 be approved for submission to Welsh Government (Appendix 5) and it be noted that a review of HRA budgets will be undertaken throughout the year and reported to the Wrexham Tenant & Member Partnership.   (iv)     That this matter be dealt with as an urgent item of business in accordance with Section 5 (Rule 5.8.10) of the Council’s Constitution.   Reasons for Decisions   (i)       To set the overall rent levels of Council house dwellings for 2026/27 in accordance with the WG rent policy and ensure that the HRA operates with appropriate levels of balance.   (ii)      To comply with WG’s requirement to produce an annual HRA Business Plan and demonstrate that there is sufficient budget to continue to undertake planned works to ensure that all properties are maintained to the appropriate standard for tenants.   (iii)      This matter is to be dealt with as an urgent item to ensure that the revised rent is implemented with effect from April 2026.  There is a requirement under Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 that two months’ notice of a rent increase is given to contract holders.  Any delay in serving the notice could impact on the start date of the revised rent with a detrimental impact on the HRA for 2026/27.