Decision details

To consider the proposed Housing Revenue Account rent (the indicative/draft rent).and charges for 2025-26

Having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest, Councillors Evelyn Akoto, Natasha Ennin and Portia Mwangangye withdrew from the meeting while this item was being discussed.

RESOLVED:

That the following be noted:

1.  The proposed rent increase of 2.7% for all directly and tenant managed (TMO) housing stock within the council’s housing revenue account. This is in accordance with the government’s guideline rent formula of CPI+1% (based on September 2024 consumer price index) as set out at paragraphs 15-16 of the report with effect from 7 April 2025.

2.  The proposed rent increase of 2.7% for the council’s shared ownership stock as set out at paragraph 17 of the report with effect from 7 April 2025.

3.  The proposed increases to tenant service charges, comprising estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry maintenance as set out in paragraphs 18-19 of the report with effect from 7 April 2025.

4.  The proposed increase in sheltered and supported housing service charges as set out in paragraph 20 of the report with effect from 7 April 2025.

5.  The proposed increase in charges for garages as set out in paragraph 21 of the report with effect from 7 April 2025.

6.  The change to the garage concessionary rate as previously agreed under individual decision making (IDM) by the cabinet member for council housing as set out in paragraph 22 of the report.

7.  The proposed freezing of tenant heat network charges for 2025-26 at existing levels, with the exception of the borough-wide metered charge for new homes, which will reduce as set out in paragraphs 23-40 of the report, with effect from 7 April 2025.

8.  That resident engagement on the specific proposals will be undertaken along with information to assist in understanding the primary income sources that underpin the housing revenue account (HRA) and how those resources are spent on the care, upkeep and investment in the existing housing stock and provision of new council homes. Resident feedback will be reported to cabinet at its meeting on 7 January 2025.