Agenda item

To consider the proposed housing revenue account rent (the indicative/draft rent) and charges for 2026-27.

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

It was not possible to circulate this report five clear days in advance of the meeting due to the timing of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 26 November 2025. The statement was expected to confirm details on the implementation of the social rent convergence policy, which has implications for the council’s housing revenue account (HRA) and tenant rents for 2026–27. As noted in paragraph 16 this has been delayed.

Submitting the indicative rent and charges report to December cabinet enabled the statutory 28-day notice period to be met ahead of the effective date of 6 April 2026. Any further delay would risk breaching legal notification requirements and potentially result in a loss of income to the HRA.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the proposed 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) be noted.

2.  That it be noted that guidance on the proposed implementation of rent convergence expected to be announced in the Autumn Statement (26 November 2025) has been delayed to January 2026, as set out in paragraphs 16-18 of the report.

3.  That the proposed rent increase of 4.8% for the council’s shared ownership stock as set out in paragraph 20 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

4.  That the proposed increases to tenant service charges, comprising estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry maintenance as set out in paragraphs 21-22 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

5.  That the proposed increase in sheltered and flexi-care housing service charges as set out in paragraph 23 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

6.  That the disaggregation of the combined rent and service charges for supported hostels and the proposed increase for both in line with CPI+1% as set out in paragraphs 24-25 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

7.  That the proposed increase in garage charge rates as set out in paragraphs 26-27 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

8.  That 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 28 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

9.  That the proposed 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 29-43 of the report with effect from 6 April 2026 be noted. 

10.  That it be noted that resident engagement on the proposals will be undertaken during December, and the outcomes reported to cabinet at its meeting on 6 January 2026.