Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 4, 2024

Purpose:

Content: (1)          that Cabinet recommend to Full Council that the Executive Director of Place be authorised to adjust council rents and housing related charges with effect from 7 April 2025 as follows:   (a)          that the housing rental charges is increased by 2.7% which is the consumer price index 1.7% (September 2024) plus 1%, which is equivalent to a 2.7% increase;   (b)          that the housing service charges increase by the consumer price index (CPI)+ 1%, equivalent to a 2.7% increase;   (c)          that a weekly service charge of £2.26 is implemented from April 2025 in blocks that have retained provision of laundry facilities for temporary accommodation, supported housing and extra care facilities;   (d)          that the weekly heating charge is increased by 20% from April 2025 to properties that received heating and hot water through a shared scheme;   (e)          that subject to consultation with the residents of the site, to increase fees at the traveller’s pitch in Hills View, Tipton at CPI (announced in month proceeding variation notices being issued), in line with Legislation on Mobile Homes (Pitch Fees Act 2023);   (f)            that rental charges for garage sites be increased in line with other council fees and charges agreed by Cabinet and Council;   (g)          that properties managed by Riverside under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement receive a 2.7% rental increase and a 2.7% increase in service charges to match the council’s rent and service charge increase;   (h)          that properties that sit outside the Housing Revenue Account (including service tenants for Parks, Sandwell Valley, and Caretaking) receive a 5% increase on rent and 2.7% for service charges;   (i)            that the leaseholder annual management fee be increased in 2025/26 from £124.57 to £167.13;   (j)            that rent and housing related service charges in subsequent years, will be set in line with the Rent Standard and Policy Statement on Rents for Social Housing as published by the Regulator of Social Housing. This will be for at least five years from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031.