Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources.

Agreed:

RESOLVED that the Executive approves:

(1)  the increase of Council dwellings rent by 2.7% from 1 April 2025;

(2)  the increase of Garage rents by 2.7% from 1 April 2025; and

(3)  the increase of Service Charges by 2.7% from 1 April 2025.

Reason for Decision: As set out in the report.

The Executive received the report which set out the proposed changes to Council dwelling rents, garage rents and service charges with effect from 1 April 2025.

Particular reference was made to:-

·         the increase in Council rents by 2.7% from April 2025, following government guidelines for CPI plus 1%, was lower than anticipated, and would have an impact on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and future expenditure; and

·         it was proposed that garage rents and service charges also be increased by 2.7% 1^st April 2025.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Homelessness Prevention and Customer Services commented that a 2.7% increase would be good for residents, however, would mean less income for the Council to maintain homes.

Opposition group leaders raised the following points and questions:-

·         the Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) didn’t provide consideration for those not on housing benefits and needed to be included as requested previously;

·         had rent arrears increased due to previous rent freezes?

·         could social rent increases include affordable housing for future reporting? and

·         did the Council look at comparable figures with neighbouring authorities, notably with social housing?

In response to questions raised, the Strategic Director for Corporate Resources and Strategic Director of Operations advised that:-

·         the rent arrears information in the monitoring reports would be provided back to Members;

·         the Council did undertake benchmarking exercises and looked at Key Performance Indicator (KPI’s) and financial social rent data. The average affordable rent data could made available to Members; and

·         the EQIA and rent arrears data would be reviewed and a response would be provided to Members.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Wright, voted upon, and CARRIED unanimously.

RESOLVED that the Executive approves:

(1)  the increase of Council dwellings rent by 2.7% from 1 April 2025;

(2)  the increase of Garage rents by 2.7% from 1 April 2025; and

(3)  the increase of Service Charges by 2.7% from 1 April 2025.