Decision Maker: Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet, Eastbourne Borough Council Full Council

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 11, 2026

Purpose: To agree the detailed HRA budget proposals, rent levels and service charges for 2026/27, and the HRA Capital Programme 2024-29.

Content: Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework): 1)    To approve the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Revenue budget for 2026/27 and revised budget for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.   2)    To approve the five-year HRA Capital Programme as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.   3)    To approve an increase of 4.8% to social and affordable rents (including shared ownership) with effect from 6 April 2026 in line with government policy.   4)    When Social Rented General Needs properties are relet to new tenants, to approve that the applicable rent will be increased by 5% above target rent with effect from 6 April 2026 in line with government policy.   5)    When social rented supported accommodation properties are relet to new tenants, to approve that the applicable rent will be increased by 10% above target rent with effect from 6 April 2026 in line with government policy.   6)    When affordable rented properties are relet to new tenants, to approve that the applicable rent is reset to 80% of market rent (inclusive of Service Charges), with effect from 6 April 2026 in line with government policy.   7)    To approve that the revised service charges as set out in paragraphs 2.5 of the report and Appendix 3 to the report are implemented with effect from 6 April 2026.   8)    To approve an increase of 10% to garage rents with effect from 6 April 2026.   9)    To note that £1.942m of Major Works capital expenditure profiling over 3 years between 2025/26 to 2027/28, is being 50% match funded by grant. The Government scheme aims to improve EPC ratings in the HRA properties.