Decision details

To note the draft HRA budget and indicative rent increase

Information about the rent setting consultation webinar (to be held on the 15 December 2020), has been emailed to all those that have registered for the residents online panel and those registered to attend Local Housing Forum (LHF) meetings and who opted in for updates; a combined total of 863. It has also been sent to all Tenant and Resident Association (T&RA) chairs and Southwark Group of Tenants Organisation (SGTO). 

The North East LHF were informed about the webinar at their meeting on 3 December and encouraged to take part and the link to register in the chat has been posted (to date there have been 81 registrations). Other LHF’s taking place week commencing 7 December will be similarly advised. Where LHF meetings occur after the webinar, participants will be able to email the resident participation team and be sent a link to the recording and the consultation survey which runs until 31 December 2020.

RESOLVED:

1.  That a provisional basis a rent increase of 1.5% for all directly and tenant managed (TMO) housing stock within the housing revenue account (HRA) (including estate voids, sheltered and hostels), with effect from 5 April 2021 be noted. This is the maximum permitted under the Rent Standard 2020.

2.  That with regard to other HRA-wide charges, the changes to tenant service charges, comprising estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry system maintenance as set out in paragraphs 22 – 23 of the report with effect from 5 April 2021, be noted on a provisional basis.

3.  That the proposed changes to sheltered housing service charges as set out in paragraphs 24 – 26 of the report with effect from 5 April 2021 be noted on a provisional basis.

4.  That the changes to charges for garages and other non-residential facilities as set out in paragraphs 27 – 29 of the report, with effect from 5 April 2021 be noted on a provisional basis.

5.  That no increase to district heating and hot water charges as set out in paragraphs 30 – 33 of the report with effect from 5 April 2021 be noted on a provisional basis.

6.  That a commitment to ensure that savings proposals are primarily based on efficiencies, and where staffing reductions form part of any savings proposal, that due consultation and process is followed with trade unions be affirmed.

7.  That officers be instructed to provide a final report on rent setting and the HRA Budget for 2021-22 after due consultation processes with residents have been followed, for consideration at their meeting on 19 January 2021.