Issue - meetings

To note on a provisional basis, the rent increase in accordance with the government’s rent guidance and other associated issues and to instruct officers to provide a final report on rent setting and the housing revenue account budget for 2013/14 to cabinet on 29 January 2013.

RESOLVED:

1.  That it be noted on a provisional basis, a rent increase of 4.85% in accordance with the government’s rent guidance (as set out in paragraphs 31 – 39 of the report) which is equivalent to an increase of £4.46 per week on average, to be applied to all housing revenue account (HRA) dwellings (including estate voids and hostels), with effect from 1 April 2013.

2.  That it be noted that the average budgeted dwelling rent for tenanted stock in 2013/14 will be £96.40 per week.

3.  That the separate consultation process currently underway regarding the council’s lettings policy, and the two options relating to charging newly-let properties at formula rent levels from their commencement as set out in paragraphs 40 – 42 of the report be noted.

4.  That it be noted on a provisional basis, no increase to tenant fixed service charges as set out in paragraphs 43 – 44 of the report with effect from 1 April 2013.

5.  That it be noted on a provisional basis, no increase to the standard charge for garages, as set out in paragraphs 45 – 46 of the report with effect from 1 April 2013.

6.  That it be noted on a provisional basis, no increase to heating and hot water charges as set out in paragraphs 47 – 49 of the report with effect from 1 April 2013, and that officers bring further proposals back to cabinet regarding application of accumulated non-earmarked surpluses in the council’s ring-fenced heating account.

7.  That officers provide a final report on rent-setting and the housing revenue account (HRA) budget for 2013/14 after due consultation processes have been followed for consideration at the cabinet meeting on 29 January 2013.