Purpose

Report
providing an update on the Council Homes position and the revision
of the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan.

Content

DECISION:
 

RESOLVED:
 
1. 
That authority be delegated to the Strategic
Director for Sustainable Growth and Development, in consultation
with the Section 151 Officer and the Portfolio Holder for Planning
and Housing, to submit grant applications for the financial year
2025/26 and approve the acceptance of grants that are consistent
with the delivery of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business
Plan and provided that such applications are otherwise consistent
with the Financial Regulatory Framework and that any match funding
can be met from within the approved revenue or capital
budget.
 
2. 
That authority be delegated to the Strategic
Director for Sustainable Growth and Development, to
authorise:  the purchase of additional
new build homes or existing homes within warranty into the HRA for
affordable housing, subject to:

a. 
completion of satisfactory due diligence including
valuation,
b. 
consultation with the Monitoring Officer and the
Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing,
c. 
such acquisitions being limited to a maximum value
of £3m in a single transaction or linked transactions (per
vendor), and not to exceed £3m on any one site.
d. 
being in accordance with the code of practice for
land and properties and HRA budget.
 

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO COUNCIL:
 
1.  That the
Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and budget for 2025/26, as
set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.
 
2.  That the
rent for both social and affordable tenants be increased at CPI
(September 2024 at 1.7%) plus 1% for the financial year for the
2025/26.
 
3. 
That the rent for new affordable and social tenants
increase be charged at formula rent and increase at CPI (September
2024 at 1.7%) plus 1% for the financial year for the
2025/26.
 
4. 
That the rent charged on leases of shared ownership
properties (created before October 2023) be increased by the
January 2025 RPI plus 0.5% for the financial year
2025/26.
 
5. 
That garage rents be increased by £3.50 per
week (plus VAT where applicable) for the financial year
2025/26.
 
6. 
That existing services charges be increased based on
actual costs.
 
7. 
That Cornwall Housing Limited (CHL) be delegated
authority to consult with tenants in older person schemes forming
part of the Housing Revenue Account and implement a new range of
services that will be funded through service charges. 
 

 
Reason for the Decision: 
 
As contained within the
report.
 
Alternative options considered:
 
None other than contained
within the report.
 
Conflicts of interest declared:
 
None.
 
Dispensations granted in respect of a conflict of
interest:
 
N/A