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The Executive considered a
report in respect of the draft Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget
and Rent Setting for 2023/24.
 
In reply to a Member’s
question, the Strategic Director (CF) confirmed that when a Council
property was let, it became the responsibility of the tenant to pay
rent/Council Tax etc.  This
responsibility passed to the Council when properties became
void.  She referred to initiatives aimed
at improving the identification of when properties became
vacant/void, including the recent employment of an Empty Homes
Officer and enhanced information collaboration arrangements between
the Revenue & Benefits Team and Housing Officers.
 
It was
RESOLVED:
 
1.         
That the HRA dwelling rents be increased
(week commencing 1 April 2024) by 7.7%, which equates to an average
increase of £8.45 for social rents, £13.12 for
affordable rents and £9.96 for Low Start Shared Ownership
homes per week (based on a 52-week year).

 
2.         
That Council be recommended to approve the
2024/25 service charges, as set out Paragraph 4.2 of the
report.
 
3.         
That Council be recommended to approve the
HRA budget for 2024/25, as set out in Appendix A to the report.
 
4.         
That the 2024/25 growth options, as set out
in Section 4.4 of the report, be approved.
 
5.         
That Council be recommended to approve
the 2024/25 Fees and Charges, as set out
in Appendix B to the report.
 
6.         
That Council be recommended to approve
the revised minimum levels of balances
for 2024/25, as shown in Appendix C to the report.
 
7.         
That the Rent
Increase Equalities Impact Assessments, as shown in Appendix D to
the report, be approved.
 
8.         
That the increase
to the 2023/24 Working Budget of £256,540, to fund the
2023/24 pay award, as detailed in Paragraph 4.4.11 of the report,
be approved.
 
9.         
That the
contingency sum of £400,000, within which the Executive can
approve supplementary estimates, be approved for 2024/25 (unchanged
from 2023/24).
 
10.      
That the decisions
taken on Resolutions 1 to 9 above be referred to the Overview and
Scrutiny Committee for consideration, in accordance with the Budget
and Policy Framework Rules in the Council’s
Constitution.
 
11.      
That key partners
and other stakeholders be consulted and their views considered as
part of the 2024/25 budget setting process.
 
Reason for Decision:  As contained in
report.
Other Options considered:  As
contained in report.