Issue - meetings

Decision

number: 

Decision:

The Cabinet noted the outcome and comments of the Regeneration, Culture and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee as set out in section 18 of the report.

26/2026

The Cabinet agreed to recommend to Full Council:

a)         a proposed social rent increase of 4.8% (CPI of 3.8 plus 1%) for the social rent housing stock as set out in Appendix A to the report (based on 52 collection weeks) with effect from 1 April 2026. All new tenancies issued during 2026/27 to be set at either the formula rent or rent cap for social rent dwellings, whichever is lower;

b)     a proposed affordable rent increase of the lower of Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rate or 4.8% (CPI of 3.8 plus 1%) for the affordable rent properties as set out in Appendix B to the report (based on 52 collection weeks) with effect from 1 April 2026. All new tenancies during 2026/27 to be set at either 80% of market rent or the LHA rate for affordable rent dwellings, whichever is lower;

c)     a proposed rent increase of 4.8% to be applied to all garage tenure types with effect from 1 April 2026 as stated in section 5 of the report;

d)     to approve the service charges increases/decreases as set out in Appendix C to the report for 2026/27;

e)     to approve the revenue budget for the HRA service for 2026/27 as set out in Appendix D to the report;

f)      to approve the provision for the estimated repayment of debt, based on annuity-based payment as set out in section 7.3 of the report, on the HRA’s outstanding debt for 2026/27;

g)     to delegate authority to the Assistant Director, Culture and Community or Chief Housing Officer to agree weekly rental values presented by the Head of Tenant Services for any in-year completed HRA acquisitions and/or new builds during 2026/27; and

h)     to approve the 30-year HRA Business Plan model as attached at Appendix E, to the report.