Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director Finance.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the Executive approves:

(1) the increase of Council dwelling rent by 7.7% from 1 April 2024;

(2) the increase of garage rent by 7.7% from 1 April 2024; and

(3) the increase of service charges by 7.7% from 1 April 2024.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report setting out the proposed changes to Council dwelling rents, garage rents and service charges with effect from 1 April 2024.

Reference was made to Council house rent, which was set by government policy, and allowed the Council to increase by inflation plus 1% each year, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) figure, which for September 2023 was 6.7%. The Council was proposing an increase of 7.7% from the 1 April 2024, which was also being applied to garage rents and service charges.

Councillor Moore, as an opposition group leader, enquired on what risk analyses for non-payment from low-income homes.

Executive Members debated the report and made the following points:-

·         confirmation was sought that the Council was not deviating from its rent policy and that rent increase would happen, in relation to the annual uplift of property rents by CPI + 1%;

·         rent collections were being managed by housing officers, who could support residents; and

·         the recommendations provided good value for money and were welcomed.

The Director Finance in responding the questions and points raised advised that:-

·         the recommendations were in-line with the government policy, which the Council always followed; and

·         there had been no deviation in terms of setting the rent. Assessments were made on any potential bad debt, particularly within the HRA to ensure best practice.

RESOLVED that the Executive approves:

(1) the increase of Council dwelling rent by 7.7% from 1 April 2024;

(2) the increase of garage rent by 7.7% from 1 April 2024; and

(3) the increase of service charges by 7.7% from 1 April 2024.