Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: December 9, 2025

Purpose: The Cabinet will be asked to consider the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget and rent levels for Council properties for 2026/27 and also to approve the rolling 30-year HRA Business Plan setting out how the Council intends to fund its stock investment, estate regeneration and new build plans.

Content: Cabinet resolved to:   (i)  Note the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget forecast for 2025/26;   (ii)  Agree the proposed increases to rents and some service charges in 2026/27 to support the financial resilience of the HRA in maintaining and improving council homes, regenerating estates and developing new housing;   (iii)  Agree the proposed reductions in certain other service charges to ensure that reductions in the costs of these utilities to the Council are passed on to tenants;   (iv)  Agree:   a)  the proposed budget allocations for 2026/27 within the HRA set out in the report, including the £44m capital programme; b)  the five-year capital programme for 2026-30, providing a total of £233.3m investment in the housing stock to meet compliance and Decent Homes standards; and c)  the proposed adjustments to reserves to balance the need for prudential financial management with the urgent requirement to upgrade assets.   (v)  Note the 30-year business plan for the HRA based on current financial assumptions which ensures a) that balanced budgets are achieved in every year as required, b) that the HRA remains on a sustainable path in terms of both borrowing and debt repayment throughout the period, and c) that appropriate amounts are spent in every year on maintaining and improving housing assets and providing efficient and high-quality services to tenants and leaseholders.