Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Housing and Customer Services

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder and Housing and Customer Services Portfolio Holder

The Housing and Customer Services Portfolio Holder presented the report to Members.

He advised Members of the Section 151 assurances and the recommendations to Council to approve the proposed rents and charges and the HRA budget for the next financial year.  Members were once again reminded of the conclusion of the public consultation on the budget proposals and that any comments received since the report had been published were included in the additional papers.  It was noted that 72 percent of responders were accepting of the rent increases and 62 percent were accepting of the changes to the service charges.

It was acknowledged that there was an increase in surplus from the draft budget position.  The surplus would be contributed to the Debt Repayment Reserve but there would be flexibility to utilise it in future years when opportunities arose.

Members were once again reminded of the financial impact of the changes to Members allowances which would be factored into the final budget report to Council in February.

It was moved by Councillor R D Bayliss, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

1.      The Assurance Statement by the Section 151 Officer be noted.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL THAT:

2.      The following changes to rents and charges for 2020/21 be approved:

a.               Increase council house rents by up to 2.7% as detailed at paragraph 4.1

b.    Decrease charges by an average of 0.96% as set out at Appendix   C.

c.     Increase service charges by an average of 0.44% as set out in Appendix D.

3.      The Housing Revenue Account budget for 2020/21 as summarised at Appendix A be approved.

Reason for decision: To enable the Council to set a balanced Housing Revenue Account budget for 2020/21.