Agenda item

The report had not been circulated five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept the report as urgent as there is a statutory duty to notify residents 28 days in advance of proposed changes in rents and charges, which means cabinet need to take decisions by the end of January to enable the timely production and receipt of notifications by residents in the first week of March for implementation on 6 April 2020.  Part of the established rent setting process involves consultation with residents on the HRA Indicative Rent-setting and Budget report through Tenants Council which is scheduled to meet on 6 January 2020, with a subsequent report to cabinet on 21 January 2020 setting out the results of resident consultation.

RESOLVED:

1.  That, on a provisional basis, a rent increase of 2.7% for all directly and tenant managed (TMO) housing stock within the HRA (including estate voids, sheltered and hostels), with effect from 6 April 2020, be noted.  This is the maximum permitted under the Rent Standard 2020.

2.  With regard to other HRA-wide charges, that on a provisional basis the changes to tenant service charges, comprising estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry system maintenance as set out in paragraphs 23 – 24 of the report with effect from 6 April 2020 be noted.

3.  That on a provisional basis the proposed changes to sheltered housing service charges contained as set out in paragraphs 25 – 29 of the report with effect from 6 April 2020 be noted.

4.  That on a provisional basis the changes to charges for garages and other non-residential facilities as set out in paragraphs 30 – 32 of the report with effect from 6 April 2020 be noted.

5.  That on a provisional basis no increase to district heating and hot water charges as set out in paragraphs 33 – 36 of the report with effect from 6 April 2020 be noted.

6.  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.

7.  That officers be instructed to provide a final report on Rent Setting and the HRA Budget for 2020-21 after due consultation processes with residents have been followed for consideration at their meeting on 21 January 2020.