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.