Issue - decisions

RESOLVED that Cabinet RECOMMENDS to Full Council that:

A     The rent reductions for individual dwellings as set out in paragraph 13 of the report submitted are effective from 4 April 2016. This equates to an average weekly rent of £92.66, a statutory reduction of 1%.

B    Any further rent setting measures, per paragraph 14 of the report submitted, introduced upon Royal Assent of the Welfare Reform and Work Bill 2015, requiring compliance, will be effective from 4 April 2016, and that in the event of a significant change to the approved budget will be reported to a subsequent meeting of Cabinet.

C    Service charges for individual dwellings, as set out in paragraphs 19 to 25 of the report submitted, effective from 4 April 2016 for tenants and 1 April 2016 for leaseholders. This equates to an average weekly service charge to tenants of £2.05.

D    Heating charges as set out in paragraphs 33 to 39 of the report submitted, effective from 4 April 2016 for tenants and 1 April 2016 for leaseholders. Average weekly general needs charges are £7.80 per week (leaseholders £15.94 per week, equivalent) and, for sheltered accommodation, £6.42 per week.

E     Garage rents are increased by 5%, to £8.78 per week (for a standard garage) and proportionate increases for other garages, car ports and car spaces, from 4 April 2016, as set out in paragraphs 40 and 41 of the report submitted.

F     Housing related support charges as set out in paragraphs 26 to 32 and Table 3 of the report submitted. For service users effective from 1 April 2016.

G    Other charges are increased, as set out in paragraph 42 of the report submitted, with effect from 1 April 2016.

H    The growth and savings outlined in paragraphs 43 and 44 of the report submitted in respect of 2016/17 are approved.

I       The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget as set out at Appendix B of the report submitted is approved.

J     A minimum HRA working balance of £2,727,000 at 31 March 2016, rising to £4,327,000 at 1 April 2016, as set out in paragraph 5 and Appendix D of the report submitted, is agreed.