Issue - meetings

Council is asked to agree the HRA revenue budget and HRA rents.

Cllr Savva moved and Cllr Aksanoglu seconded the report of the Executive Director – Resources and Strategic Director of Housing and Regeneration. Details of the HRA Revenue Budget for 2024/25 and the annual rent increase for Council tenants and leaseholder charges were confirmed. There was a need to cover the cost of delivering the service. Efficiency savings would also be made. Investment in stock would prioritise building safety and compliance.

The Opposition expressed concern at more raised charges to be faced by low income households. They also highlighted ongoing issues with delivery of new homes, unsafe tower blocks on the Shires Estate, and non decent housing.

Council was asked, further to Cabinet recommendation, to approve:

I. The detailed HRA Revenue Budget of £81.1m for 2024/25 as shown in paragraph 53 of the report.

II. The 10-year HRA Capital Programme of £900m and borrowing requirements to deliver 3,500 council led homes.

III. A rent increase of 7.7% in line with Government guidelines noting the social, affordable and shared ownership rent levels for the HRA properties in 2024/25.

IV. The level of service charges for 2024/25 for those tenants and leaseholders receiving eligible services at an average increase of 11%. These include enhanced services in response to resident feedback that will be implemented from April 2024 and new services that will be subject to resident consultation, as set out from paragraph 24 of the report.

V. The charges for garages, parking bay and community halls rents as set out from paragraph 41 of the report.

To Note:

VI. The heating charges for 2024/25 for those properties on communal heating systems (both electric and gas) as set out in paragraph 36 of the report.

The recommendations were put to the vote and AGREED.