Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation from Cabinet in respect of approval of housing rent and service charges for 2019/20.

Further to Minute No. 91 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 21^st January, 2019, consideration was given to the report which sought approval for the proposed values for the setting of the housing rents, non-dwelling rents, District Heating and service charges and the draft Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2019/20.

Changes to the Government’s policy on social housing rents resulted in the requirement to reduce dwelling rents by 1% over four years from April, 2016.  To comply with the legislation rents would be reduced by 1% for a fourth and final year from April, 2019.

In previous years increases to charges for non-dwelling rents have been linked to changes in CPI.  As at September, 2018 CPI was 2.4% and, therefore, it was proposed to increase charges for garages and communal facilities including laundry and cooking gas by 2.4%.

During 2017-18 there was an extensive review of district heating pricing to ensure that charges were fair and reasonable to all tenants. However, the latest forecast for 2018/19 was that the scheme would be in deficit by £16k, therefore, it was proposed to leave district heating charges unchanged.

Resolved:-  (1)  That dwelling rents be reduced by 1% for 2019/20 in line with the requirements outlined in the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016.

(b)  That there be a 2.4% increase to charges for garage rents, communal facilities, cooking gas and laundry facilities in 2019/20 in line with the increase in Consumer Price Index (CPI) as at September 2018.

(3)  That the unit charge per Kwh for District Heating Schemes remain at the same level as agreed by the Council in December 2017.

(4)  That the draft Housing Revenue Account budget for 2019/20 be approved.

(5)  That rents and service charges be collected over 52 weeks in line with Universal Credit payments.

Mover:-  Councillor Beck                        Seconder:-  Councillor Alam

Report of the Strategic Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Recommendations:-

1.    That Cabinet recommend to Council:-

(a)  That dwelling rents are reduced by 1% for 2019/20 in line with the requirements outlined in the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016.

(b)  That there is a 2.4% increase  ...  view the full agenda text for item 91

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval for the proposed values for the setting of the housing rents, non-dwelling rents, District Heating and service charges and the draft Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2019/20.

Changes to the Government’s policy on social housing rents resulted in the requirement to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91