Decision details

The Cabinet will be asked to consider the HRA estimates and rent levels for Council properties for 2014/15, together with service and other related charges, to enable the delivery of efficient and effective services to the Council’s tenants and leaseholders for the forthcoming financial year

Cabinet resolved:

(i)  To approve the Housing Revenue Account estimates for 2014/15 as detailed in Appendix 6 to the report, subject to the agreement of saving proposals which will be reported to Cabinet separately;

(ii)  To approve the use of HRA balances where savings are not fully delivered in 2014/15, in order to achieve a balanced budget;

(iii)  To approve an overall average Council dwelling rent increase of 1.9%, equivalent to £1.69 per week and comprising the following:

·  New build and acquired Council homes (rents set at 50% of local market rents or at affordable rents above this (65%)) - 3.7% average increase, consistent with Government policy of RPI+0.5% as per Affordable Homes Programme.

·  Other houses - 2.3% average increase.

·  Other flats - 1.4% average increase.

(iv)  To approve a decrease to tenant service charges of 13% (£3.49 per week);

(v)  To approve an additional provision for communal heating and hot water charges of 9% (£1.32 per week), which represents the anticipated rise in energy costs to the Council for these services;

(vi)  To approve a single, standard charge of £11 per week for garages and a further review of parking spaces;

(vii)  To approve the increase in rents for commercial properties in line with lease agreements; and

(vii)  That the above changes shall take effect from 1 April 2014.