Decision details

1.                  That the HRA financial strategy as set out in section 7 of the report, be endorsed.

2.                  That the Housing Revenue Account 2013/14 budget as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, be approved..

3.                  That a rent increase for 2013/14, based on application of the Government’s rent restructuring formulae for dwellings of 3 bedrooms and below, and a new Council rent policy for dwellings of 4 bedrooms and above, of 5.42% and also that approval be given to the simplification of the presentation of Sheltered Accommodation rents as referred to in paragraph 9.7, be approved.

4.                  That a rent increase of 3.73% based on application of the Government’s rent restructuring formulae for properties under licence and hostels as referred to in paragraph 9.6 of the report, be approved.

5.                  That in order to move towards full recovery of Water Rates an increase in water rate charges equating to an average rise of 58 pence per week as set out in paragraph 15.7 of the report, be approved.

6.                  That a reduction in the communal heating charge of 5% as set out in paragraph 15.3 of the report, be approved.

7.                  That an increase in service charges for 2013/14  of 3.1% as set out in section 10 of the report, be approved.

8.                  That an increase in garage and parking rents of 3.1% as set out in paragraphs 15.4 and 15.5 of the report be approved and that Cabinet note that a review of garage and parking operations is currently being conducted by officers in consultation with residents which is likely to result in further changes.

9.                  That in line with the strategic financial objective of repaying debt as it becomes due £ 9.582 million of HRA debt is repaid in 2013/14, be approved.

10.              That the risks outlined in section 12 and in Appendix 5 of the report, be noted.