Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 16, 2026

Purpose:

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