Purpose

To
note/agree the 2026/27 HRA and 30 Year Business Plan

Content

It was
RESOLVED: -
 
1.1         
That the HRA Budget proposals for 2026/27 set out
in this report, were endorsed for recommendation to Council on 26
February 2026.

 
1.2         
That a CPI + 1% increase of 4.8% for social
rents, equivalent to an average rent increase of £5.03 for
social rent and affordable rent of £7.45, a week be
implemented.

 
1.3         
That the RPI increase of 4.5% in garage rents be
implemented.

 
1.4         
That sheltered housing service charges and
utility charges were spread over 4 years to full recovery cost.
Equivalent to £2.88 a week increased service charge,
£0.77 a week increased heating charge and £0.88 a week
increased water charge. That a General Needs service charge on
blocks be implemented at an average £8.92 per week, per
tenancy in a block, to achieve full cost recovery.

 
1.5         
That the rent tolerance of 10% on Sheltered
Accommodation properties be approved in line with guidance received
from Trowers & Hamlins.

 
1.6         
That in principle, Right to Buy (RTB) receipts
should be retained within the Housing Revenue Account to enable
continued development and acquisition of new council
dwellings.

 
1.7         
That the 30-year business plan (Appendix A) be
endorsed for recommendation to Council on 26 February 2026 subject
to accommodating changes following recent government
announcements.

 
REASON FOR
DECISION
To
bring together all the relevant information to enable Cabinet
Members to review, consider and comment upon the Councils Housing
Revenue Account budget for recommendations to Council.
 
Alternative
Options Considered and Rejected:
The
Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2026/27 was an essential element
in achieving a balanced budget and sustainable medium-term
position, therefore no other options were appropriate in respect of
this.
 
Any Declarations of Interests Declared: None
Any Dispensation Granted: Councillor
Davis was granted a dispensation as a Council tenant.