Issue - meetings

To approve the housing revenue account budget and rent setting for 2026-27.

Having declared a disclosable pecuniary interest, Councillor Evelyn Akoto withdrew from the meeting while this item was being discussed.

Note: Councillor Natasha Ennin had previously declared a disclosable pecuniary interest for items relating to the housing revenue account- rent and charges. Having submitted her apologies for lateness she was not present for this item.

It was not possible to circulate this report five clear days in advance of the meeting. Urgent consideration was required as any delay would risk breaching legal notification requirements and potentially result in a loss of income to the housing revenue account.

RESOLVED:

Decisions of Cabinet

That the following be noted:

1.  The outcomes and feedback from the resident engagement events that took place during December 2025 (prior to Christmas), attached at Appendix 2 of the report.

2.  The withdrawal of the concessionary garage rate for non-blue badge holders as previously agreed under individual decision making (IDM) by the cabinet member for council homes as set out in paragraph 29 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026. 

3.  That guidance on the proposed implementation of rent convergence expected to be announced in the Autumn Statement (26 November 2025) was delayed and expected to be announced in January 2026.

That the following be approved:

4.  The rent increase of 4.8% (based on September 2025 Consumer Price Index plus 1%) for all directly and tenant managed (TMO) housing stock held within the council’s housing revenue account (HRA).

5.  The rent increase of 4.8% for the council’s shared ownership stock as set out in paragraph 21 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026. 

6.  The increases to tenant service charges, comprising estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry maintenance as set out in paragraphs 22-23 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026. 

7.  The increase in sheltered and flexi-care housing service charges as set out in paragraph 24 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026. 

8.  The disaggregation of the combined rent and service charges for supported hostels and the increase for both in line with CPI+1% as set out in paragraphs 25-26 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026. 

9.  The increase in garage charge rates as set out in paragraphs 27-28 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026.

10.  The freezing of heat network charges for 2026-27 at existing levels, with the exception of the borough-wide metered charge for new homes, which will be reduced as set out in paragraphs 30-44 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026.

Decision of the Leader of the Council

11.  That authority be delegated to the cabinet member for equalities, democracy and finance in consultation with the cabinet member for council homes to implement the government’s proposals on rent convergence with effect from 6 April 2026.