Decision details

To recommend to Council the proposed Housing Revenue Account budget and associated capital programme for 2008/2009.

36/2008 The Cabinet recommended to Council on 28 February 2008 for approval:
(i) The proposed Revenue and Capital Budgets for 2008/2009 for the Housing Revenue Account, inclusive of an average rent increase of £3.26 per week (based upon 50 collection weeks and equating to an increase of 5.08%);
(ii) That the policy decision made by Council on 1 March 2007 that the rent level of any new void property be adjusted to its in year formula rent level under rent restructuring requirements continues; (iii) That service charges for 2008/2009 reflect the costs incurred in providing that service, and the average cost will increase by no more than inflation (3.9%, that being the Retail Price Index [all items] for September 2007) plus 0.5% over that charged in 2007/2008;
(iv) The proposed increase in garage rent charges by 3.9%, that being the Retail Price Index (all items) for September 2007.

Under the terms of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 the Council should set a balanced budget for the Housing Revenue Account, whilst taking into account a review of housing stock rent levels on an annual basis in line with government directives on rent restructuring. The council must also implement work programmes to ensure that all of its housing meets the Decent Homes Standard by December 2010.