Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Finance

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder and Housing Portfolio Holder

The Housing Portfolio Holder presented the report to Members.

He advised that there was a small reduction in the forecast surplus of £131k, which was mainly due to a reduction in expected rental income, due to an increase in empty properties and increased sales through Right to Buy.

He informed Members that it was proposed to increase rents again in line with the rent convergence policy, increase rents for garages and it was recommended to increase ground rents at Appleby Magna Caravan Site.

It was moved by Councillor R D Bayliss, seconded by Councillor N J Rushton and

RESOLVED THAT:

1) The Assurance Statement by the S151 Officer in section 8 be noted,

2) The Council be recommended to:

a)    Approve the increase of 3.2% (average increase 19 pence) in garage rents for 2014/15.

b)    Approve the average increase of 1.02% (2 pence per week) in the weekly service charge for 2014/15.

c)    Approve the ground rent increase at Appleby Magna Caravan Site of 3.2% (74 pence per week) on the anniversary of each individual rent agreement in 2014/15.

d)    Approve the Lifeline charges increase of 3.2% (Between 6 pence and 10 pence per week) from 1 July 2014.

e)    Approve that Council House Rents in 2014/15 be increased in accordance with the Government’s Rent Restructuring Policy by an average of 5.78% (average increase £4.30 per week).

f)     Approve the Housing Revenue Account budget for 2014/15 attached as appendix A to the report.

Reason for decision: To enable the Council to set a balanced Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2014/15.