Issue - meetings

A report from the Councillor Gold, Cabinet Member for Finance and Communities is attached.

Councillor Gold, Cabinet Member for Communities and Finance advised members that this report forms part of a suite of documents relating to the Council’s budget setting process for 2023/24 and establishes the Housing Revenue Account budget for 2023/24. Councillor Gold highlighted that the report proposes the rent levels for Council Housing for Dwelling and Garage rents, Sheltered Support, Management, Service and Heating charges and Furnished Tenancy charges. In addition, the report establishes the Management Fee paid to Six Town Housing for 2023/24.

Members were informed that for 2023/24 individual social and affordable rents will be set at the Governments rent cap of 7% with effect from 3rd April 2023.

·         Councillor Birchmore flagged about the transfer of 280 properties to Springs Tenant Co-operative which is a 3% reduction in properties for Six Town Housing to Manage.

·         Members discussed the rent lost on empty properties being projected to be 1.07% over the course of 2022/23; this will mean a reduction in rent income of approximately £22k as the original budget allowed for a void level of 1%. They asked for reassurance on what is being done to get to this projection.

Members were advised this have been discussed with Six Town Housing and has been agreed as deliverable with them.

·         Councillor Birchmore questioned the future of Six Town Housing

Lynne Ridsdale, Deputy Chief Executive advised work is being done on this and there will be a report sent to Cabinet on proposals by the end of the financial year.

·         Councillor FitzGerald flagged that the is a strong possibility that new legislation may be brough forward on work required to properties that will need to be done by Six Town Housing.

·         Councillor Vernon questioned information regarding the lost income from the Fern Hill Caravan Site

In response Paul Lakin, Executive Director of Place advised that travellers have been decanted to alternative sites across the country.

In conclusion Councillor Vernon thanked all for their questions and responses.