Agenda item

To instruct officers to consult regarding rent-setting for newly-let existing stock from 6 April 2015 and to provide a final report on rent setting and the HRA (housing revenue account) budget for 2015/16 after due consultation processes to cabinet on 27 January 2015.

RESOLVED:

1.  That a rent increase of 2.2% for all housing revenue account (HRA) dwellings (including estate voids and hostels) with effect from 6 April 2015 be noted on a provisional basis. This is in accordance with its decision on 28 January 2014 to increase rents by an amount equivalent to September CPI (consumer price index) plus 1% for each year up to 2017/18 (paragraphs 12 - 16 of the report). The average dwelling rent in 2015/16 under such an increase would be £101.25 per week (an increase of £2.18 per week on average).

2.  That officers be instructed to consult regarding rent-setting for newly-let existing stock from 6 April 2015 (paragraphs 17 - 21 of the report), setting out effects on the housing revenue account (HRA) for that year, and also the medium and longer-term implications for the HRA business plan.

3.  That with regard to other housing revenue account (HRA)-wide charges, increases of 2.2% in the estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry maintenance charges as set out in paragraphs 31 -32 of the report with effect from 6 April 2015 be noted on a provisional basis.

4.  That an increase of 2.2% to charges for garages, store sheds and parking bays, as set out in paragraphs 33 – 34 of the report with effect from 6 April 2015 be noted on a provisional basis.

5.  That no increase to district heating and hot water charges as set out in paragraphs 35 – 36 of the report with effect from 6 April 2015 be noted on a provisional basis.

6.  That no increase to sheltered housing service charges as set out in paragraph 37 of the report with effect from 6 April 2015 be noted on a provisional basis.

7.  That it be noted water and sewerage charges levied by Thames Water are liable to an inflationary uplift as set out at paragraph 38 of the report, but as yet the council has not been informed by Thames Water of what that increase will be.

8.  That officers be instructed to provide a final report on rent setting and the housing revenue account (HRA) budget for 2015/16 after due consultation processes have been followed for consideration at their meeting on 27 January 2015.