Content

RESOLVED:  Cabinet
agreed;

1)    
The HRA revenue budget 2026-27 of £71.7m.

2)    
An average maximum rent increase of 4.8% (£5.51) in
average rents from £114.80 to £120.31 per week, in
accordance with the government’s amended Rent Standard with
effect from 1 April 2026.

3)    
An average increase of 4.8% in tenants and leaseholder
service charges excluding utilities with effect from 1 April 2026
as set out in Appendix 5.

4)    
An average 4.8% increase in garage rents and commuter
surcharges with effect from 1 April 2026. This will increase the
average rent per garage from £12.12 to £12.70 and the
commuter surcharge from £19.26 to £20.18 per week
respectively, as set out in Appendix 5.

5)    
The 2026-27 management fee of £70.6m, (incl. General
Fund services), to Northamptonshire Partnership Homes in appendix 4
to fund the services being delivered by and to NPH for the
provision of landlord services.

6)    
The setting of the working balance at £6m, with the
assessed minimum level of £5m informed by the outcome of the
latest financial risk assessment.

7)    
That authority be delegated to the S151 Officer in
consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance to transfer
monies to/from earmarked reserves and the working balance, should
that become necessary during the financial year.

8)    
The HRA Capital Programme for 2026-27 to 2030-31.

9)    
That authority be delegated to the S151 Officer in
consultation with the portfolio holder for Finance to amend the
capital programme for 2026-27 going forward so that it accurately
reflects issues such as slippage on current year projects that will
need to be added to the programme, any amendments made to existing
capital programmes, adjustments to accommodate any future use of
capital receipts policy, and for any other reason where the capital
programme needs to be adjusted.

10) That authority be delegated to
the S151 Officer to make any technical changes necessary to the
papers for the Council meeting on 26 February 2026.
 
That Cabinet
approved:

11) The Council to enter into a
Memorandum of Understanding with MHCLG to participate in LAHF
R4.
 
REASONS
RESOLVED:
 

•        
To ensure that the HRA reflects the statutory requirement
under Section 74 of the Housing and Local Government Act 1989 to
account separately for local housing services. To ensure the
Council sets a balanced HRA within national standards in relation
to rent increases and is able to meet its wider duties and
obligations to tenants.
 
 
 
ALTERNATIVE
OPTIONS:
None