RESOLVED:
1. That with regard to rents it be noted that the rent increase implied by the government’s rent guidance would be 5.4% (as set out in paragraphs 14 to 18 of the report), to be applied to all housing revenue account (HRA) dwellings (including estate voids and hostels), with effect from 7 April 2014, and that the average dwelling rent in 2014/15 under such an increase would be £101.61 per week (an increase of £5.21 per week on average).
2. That officers explore options regarding the rent increase for 2014/15, setting out its effects on the HRA for that year, and also their medium and longer-term implications.
3. That with regard to other HRA-wide charges, it be noted on a provisional basis that there will be no increase to tenant fixed service charges as set out in paragraph 39 of the report with effect from 7 April 2014.
4. That it be noted on a provisional basis that there will be no increase to the standard charge for garages or other non-residential charges, as set out in paragraphs 40 to 41 of the report with effect from 7 April 2014.
5. That it be noted on a provisional basis that there will be no increase to district heating and hot water charges as set out in paragraph 42 to 43 of the report with effect from 7 April 2014.
6. That it be noted on a provisional basis that there will be no increase to sheltered housing service charges as set out in paragraph 44 of the report with effect from 7 April 2014.
7. That it be noted that water and sewerage charges levied by Thames Water are liable to an inflationary uplift as set out at paragraph 45 of the report, but as yet the council has not been informed by Thames Water of what that increase will be.
8. That officers provide a final report on rent setting and the HRA budget for 2014/15 after due consultation processes have been followed for consideration at their meeting on 28 January 2014.