Issue - meetings

To note issues associated with the housing revenue account.

To instruct officers to provide a final report to cabinet in January 2023 on rent setting after consultation with residents.

The report had not been circulated five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept this item as urgent as the council was committed to publishing budget proposals and changes in rents and charges at the earliest opportunity to ensure they were available for consultation with tenants and homeowners in advance of the final report being considered by cabinet on 17 January 2023. It was critical that decisions were made in good time to facilitate rent letter production and ensure that the 28-day statutory notification period can be complied with, such that the changes can be implemented and become effective from 3 April 2023.

RESOLVED:

1.  That capped rent increase of 7% for all directly and tenant managed (TMO) housing stock within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) (including estate voids, sheltered housing and hostels), with effect from 3 April 2023 be noted on a provisional basis.  This is the maximum permitted under the government’s temporary rent cap for 2023-24.

2.  That the proposed voluntary commitment to cap rent increases at 7% for the council’s shared ownership properties in line with the council’s other housing stock as set out at paragraph 17 of the report with effect from 3 April 2023 be noted on a provisional basis.

3.  That the changes to tenant service charges, comprising estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry maintenance as set out in paragraphs 34-35 of the report with effect from 3 April 2023 be noted on a provisional basis.

4.  That the proposed changes to sheltered housing service charges as set out in paragraphs 36-38 of the report with effect from 3 April 2023 be noted on a provisional basis.

5.  That the proposed changes to charges for garages and other non-residential facilities as set out in paragraphs 39-40 of the report with effect from 3 April 2023 be noted on a provisional basis.

6.  That the proposed change to district heating and hot water charges, including metered charges as set out in paragraphs 41-58 of the report with effect from 3 April 2023 be noted on a provisional basis.

7.  That the proposed one-off match funding for discretionary housing payments (DHP) for 2023-24 as set out in paragraph 70 of the report be noted on a provisional basis.

8.  That the proposed budget movements for 2023-24 as set out in Appendices C to E of the report be noted on a provisional basis.

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

10.  That officers be instructed to provide a final report on rent setting and the HRA Budget for 2023-24, following consultation with residents, for final consideration at their meeting on 17 January 2023.