Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation from Cabinet in respect of the Housing Revenue Account Rents and Service Charges for 2020-21

Further to Minute No. 89 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 23^rd December, 2019, consideration was given to the report which sought approval for the proposed values of the housing rents, non-dwelling rents, District Heating and service charges and the draft Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2020/21.

In line with changes to Policy on rents for social housing it was recommended that rents were increased in line with CPI (as at September 2019) plus 1% in 2020/21, therefore an increase of 2.7%.

Resolved:-  (1)  That dwelling rents be increased by 2.7% in 2020/21 in line with the Government guidelines on rents for social housing from April 2020 which allows rents to increase by Consumer Price Index (as at September) plus 1%.

(2)  That there be a 2% increase in charges for garages and parking spaces, communal facilities, cooking gas and use of laundry facilities, in line with increases being proposed for other fees and charges across the Council.

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

(4)  That all Affordable Rent properties be revalued in October and March each year to provide a valid rent value for when Affordable Rent properties are re-let.

(5)  That the draft Housing Revenue Account budget for 2020/21 be agreed.

Mover:-  Councillor Beck                            Seconder:-  Councillor Alam

(The Mayor (Councillor J. Andrews) and Councillors R. Elliott, Fenwick-Green, McNeely and Wyatt declared personal interests on the grounds that they rented or a spouse rented a garage, land or a property from the Council)

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

Recommendations:-

That Cabinet resolve to recommend to Council:-

1.    That dwelling rents be increased by 2.7% in 2020/21 in line with the government guidelines on rents for social housing from April 2020 which allows rents to increase by  ...  view the full agenda text for item 89

Consideration was given to a report which sought approval for the proposed values of the housing rents, non-dwelling rents, District Heating and service charges and the draft Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2020/21.

The report proposed the following changes:-

·         That housing rents be increased in line with CPI (as at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89

Cabinet Portfolio:                 Housing

Strategic Directorate:           Adult Care, Housing and Public Health

Consideration was given to a report which was presented for pre-decision scrutiny ahead of the Cabinet meeting scheduled for 23 December 2019, which sought approval for the proposed values of the housing rents, non-dwelling rents, District Heating and service charges and the draft Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2020/21.

The report proposed the following changes:-

·         That housing rents be increased in line with CPI (as at September 2019) plus 1% in 2020/21, therefore an increase of 2.7%. Non-Dwelling Rents

·         That an increase in non-dwelling charges be applied in line with the recommended increase being applied across the council of 2% for 2020/21

·         No change to District Heating charges

Members queried the practice of letting garages and the sharing of information with ward Members in respect of notifying them of changes to garage usage. In response, it was confirmed that there was work underway to review sites for various reasons and any actions arising from this would not be implemented until ward Members had been consulted.

Reference was made to the previous report on the agenda (minute 97 refers) which had highlighted an increase in the level of arrears amongst tenants who were also claimants of Universal Credit and it was proposed that this be monitored closely with a view to reducing the level of rent arrears. It was also felt that this should be a performance target in the service plan for Housing Services. The Cabinet Member for Housing indicated that he would be happy to accept such recommendations from the Board. To this end, it was agreed that update on performance in this area should be reported to the Improving Places Select Commission in June 2020.

Resolved:-

1.    That Cabinet be advised that the recommendations be supported.

2.    That the number of Universal Credit claimants be closely monitored with a view to reducing the level of rent arrears from those tenants on that benefit.

3.    That consideration be given to including the measure in the service plan for Housing Services and be reported on to Improving Places Select Commission in June 2020.