Issue - meetings

To agree recommendations associated with the housing revenue account rent setting and budget for 2024 – 2025.

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

Appendix 2 setting out feedback from local housing forum meetings was published and circulated in advance of the meeting.

RESOLVED:

1.  That a rent increase of 7.7% for all directly and tenant managed (TMO) housing stock within the council’s housing revenue account be agreed. This is in accordance with the government’s guideline rent formula of CPI+1% (based on the September Consumer Price Index) as set out at paragraphs 12-14 of the report, with effect from 1 April 2024.

2.  That a rent increase of 7.7% for the council’s shared ownership stock as set out at paragraphs 15-16 of the report be agreed with effect from 1 April 2024.

3.  That the increases to tenant service charges, comprising estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry maintenance as set out in paragraphs 17-18 of the report be agreed with effect from 1 April 2024.

4.  That the increase in sheltered housing service charges as set out in paragraph 19 of the report be agreed with effect from 1 April 2024.

5.  That the increase in charges for garages and other non-residential facilities as set out in paragraphs 20-21 of the report be agreed with effect from 1 April 2024.

6.  That it be noted that a review of garage charging policy including the concessionary scheme will be undertaken and proposals brought forward following consultation with residents to cabinet in the New Year as set out in paragraph 22 of the report.

7.  That the increase in tenant heating charges, including metered charges as set out in paragraphs 23-42 of the report be agreed with effect from 1 April 2024.