Decision details

To approve commencement of consultation with tenants and residents on the proposed HRA rent and service charge changes for 2027/28 through an Individual Decision Making (IDM) report. The consultation responses will inform the final proposals to be considered as part of the Interim HRA Business Plan report to the Executive.

1.  That it be agreed that resident engagement on the following 2027-28 Rent & Service Charges proposals will be undertaken during November and early December, and the outcomes reported to Executive. 

2.  That it be agreed to propose a 4.5% increase in dwelling rents (CPI+1%) for all council-owned and tenant management organisation (TMO) homes within the HRA, including applicable hostel rents.

3.  That it be agreed to propose the application of the Government's rent convergence policy from 2027-28, allowing rents for properties below formula rent to increase by an additional £1 per week, in addition to the annual CPI+1% increase, until formula rent levels are reached.

4.  That it be agreed to propose increases in shared ownership rents in accordance with the relevant lease terms and government requirements, including a maximum increase of 4.5% where CPI + 1% applies.

5.  That it be agreed to propose the increases to tenant service charges, including estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry maintenance, hostels, and sheltered & flexi-care services, with effect from 5 April 2027.

6.  That it be agreed to propose the increase in garage charges with effect from 5 April 2027.

7.  That it be agreed to propose the 2027-28 heat network charges set out in Appendix 3, including a freeze in unmetered tenant heating charges and the borough-wide retrofit-metered tariff, together with the proposed increase in the new-build metered tariff, with effect from 5 April 2027.