Purpose

A Social Housing
Rent Policy was introduced in 2020/2021.  This allows for a maximum rent increase of
September CPI + 1%. This policy was for  5 years and will therefore expire in  2024/2025.  If CPI is
above 3%, the Welsh Government Minister will be required to decide
about any rent increase that can be applied.
 
When deciding on
whether to apply the increase, consideration must be given to the
value for money and affordability for tenants. Any possible cost
efficiencies that can be made on the Housing Revenue Budget must
also be considered.
 
The introduction of
the Renting Homes Wales Act (2016) on 1st December 2022,
stipulated that 2 months’ notice must be given to contract
holders (tenants) before amending any rents.   Until last year, rents used to be set as a
part of the February budget process, however, due to the 2
months’ notice now required a separate Cabinet decision must
be made.
 
The cabinet report
will lay out the proposal for setting rents in considering
affordability, value for money and any savings
identified.
 

Content

Councillor
Ash Lister declared a personal and prejudicial interest in this
item as a family member is a Council tenant.  Councillor Lister left the meeting and did not
take part in decision making.
 
RESOLVED
that the approach for rent and service charge setting for Council owned
dwellings for financial year 2024/25 (as set out in this report) be
approved.