Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 2, 2025

Purpose: To consider and approve the rent setting policy for 2026-27 in relation to Housing Revenue Account Properties.

Content: RESOLVED –   1)    That approval be given to the rent uplifts by an average of £4.19 per week (CPI, 3.8% +1%) and service charges payable between 0.01p and £0.87 per week (4.8%) from 1 April 2026, after taking into consideration the affordability to tenants, as summarised in Appendix 1 2)    That approval be given to the increase the rent by a further £1 or £2 per week in line with the government announcement to move towards rent convergence. 3)    That approval be given to increase the service charge for communal grounds maintenance services capped at £1.00 per week each year until full cost recovery is achieved. 4)    That approval be given to increase the charges for Extra Care Services – Intensive Housing Management to be uplifted by between £1.47 and £3.74 (4.8%) and Extra Care Services – Night Care Service to be uplifted by £1.13 per week (4.8%). 5)    That the national and local financial challenges outlined as part of the HRA budget proposals for 2026-27 be noted. 6)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Transport and Housing to approve any changes to the rate for sheltered heating and district heating. 7)    That the draft HRA Revenue Budget for 2026/27 be recommended to Council in February 2026 for approval as outlined at appendix 2 8)    That the revised proposed five-year Capital Plan Budget be recommended to Council for approval as outlined at appendix 6. (Funding summary Appendix 4)