Issue - meetings

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member (Finance and Human Resources)the Cabinet Member (Strategic Housing and Support Services) submitted a report detailing the proposed Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2017/2018. The report included proposals for Dwelling and Garage rents, Sheltered Support, Management, Amenities and Heating charges, Furnished Tenancy charges and Fernhill Caravan site tenancy charges.

Cabinet was reminded that the report was prepared on the basis of the Government’s requirement for a decrease in dwelling rents of 1% for 2017/2018 for General Needs and Sheltered/Extra Care properties. Any decrease more than this level would result in a reduction in rental income which will impact on future years and could jeopardise the financial viability of the HRA and the sustainability of the business plan.

Delegated decisions:

1.   That the report be noted.

2.   That Council be requested to consider all matters relating to the Housing Revenue Account 2017/2018, the increase in Council House and garage rents and changes to other charges.

Recommendations to Council:      

1. That approval be given to the Housing Revenue Account estimates as set out in Appendix 1 of the report submitted.

2. That approval be given to decrease the Rents for all HRA dwellings by 1% from the first rent week in April 2017.

3. That approval be given to increase Garage rents by 2.0% from the first rent week in April 2017.

4. That approval be given to increase Sheltered Management and Amenity Charges by 2.0% from the first rent week in April 2017.

5. That approval be given to Sheltered Support charges and heating charges remain unchanged from the first rent week in April 2017.

6. That approval be given to reduce Furnished Tenancy charges by 5% from the first rent week in April 2017.

7. That approval be given to increase tenancy charges at the Fernhill Caravan Site by 2.0% from the first rent week in April 2017.