Purpose

The report sets out for
approval the Council’s HRA rent setting arrangements for
council tenants from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026
 

Content

The Executive Mayor and Cabinet
RESOLVED;
 
2.1 to agree the social rents
increase of 2.7% from April 2025 based on the current final year of
the government’s Social Housing Rent Policy (applying
September 2024 CPI + 1%)
 
2.2 to agree the request to set
the tenants service charges increase at the same level as the rents
(2.7%) for the financial year 2025-26
 
2.3 to agree the continuation
of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) hardship fund aimed at
assisting tenants who are financially impacted by the 2025-26 rent
increase, subject to obtaining a further Direction in appropriate
terms from the Secretary of State.
 
2.4 to agree, the nil increase
to the garage rents on the proviso that a full review of the
viability of assets is carried out in 2025-26.
 
2.5 to agree the request to set
the increase in the caravan site plot charges in line with
September CPI of 1.7%
 
2.6 to note the continual
implementation of the Social Rent Policy flexibility to social
rents. This enables an additional 5% above formula rent to be
charged in general needs accommodation and 10% in supported housing
on relets.
 
2.7 to note that there will be
additional service charges levied on specific properties after the
introduction of new grounds maintenance contracts.
 
2.8 to delegate authority to
the Corporate Director of Housing, in consultation with Cabinet
member for Homes, to make adjustments to
the service charge levied on the provision of the extra care
services for the provision of the extra care services, plus
enhancements to the stock condition which are in addition to the
regular life cycle of repairs and maintenance.