Purpose

Request for the Executive Mayor
and Cabinet to agree the increase in social rents & associated
tenants services charges in line with the governments Social
Housing Rent Policy.

Content

For the reasons set out in the
report the Executive Mayor and Cabinet, RESOLVED:
 
2.1
     to agree the social
rents increase of 4.8% from April 2026 based on the
Government’s Social Housing Rent Policy (applying September
2025 CPI 3.8% + 1%)
 
2.2       to
agree the request to set the tenants service charges increase at
the same level as the rents (4.8%) for the financial year
2026-27.
 
2.3       to
agree the continuation of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA)
hardship fund aimed at assisting tenants who are financially
impacted by the 2026-27 rent increase, subject to obtaining a
further Direction in appropriate terms from the Secretary of
State.
 
2.4       to
agree the increase to the garage rents and parking spaces at the
same level as the rents (4.8%) for the financial year
2026-27.
 
2.5       to
agree the request to set the increase in the caravan site plot
charges at the same level as the rents (4.8%) for the financial
year 2026-27.
 
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
contracts.
 
2.8       to
delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Housing, in
consultation with the Executive Mayor and the Cabinet member for
Homes, to make adjustments to the service charges levied and
enhancements to extra care services.
 
2.9       to
delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Housing, in
consultation with the Executive Mayor and the Cabinet member for
Homes, to adjust the rents and charges of our sheltered
housing.