Agenda item

Report of the Assistant Director – Housing and Revenues

The Assistant Director – Housing and Revenues submitted a report (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) – Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2026-27 to 2029-30 (also previously circulated) prior to recommendation by Cabinet on 3 February 2026 and Council on 19 February 2026.

The submitted report requested that Members give consideration the recommendations agreed by Cabinet in relation to the revenue budget, capital programme, rent levels and service charges for the Council’s HRA for the financial year 2026-27 in the context of the HRA MTFP to 2029-30 and the 30-year business plan.

The Head of Housing provided an update on the consultation exercise undertaken with Council tenants and Members were pleased to note a response rate of 24.9 per cent.

Following a query regarding the proposed meal charges for Extra Care Schemes, Members were informed that in previous years the Council had subsided the costs by 40 per cent and it was agreed last year to spread those cost increases over 2 years.  This resulted in the meals charge being increased by 20 per cent in 2025/26, with the remaining 20 per cent proposed to be increased in 2026/27, to ensure the full cost is covered.

Members entered into a discussion regarding right to buy with Members noting that demand had decreased significantly from the previous year; and in relation to the housing waiting list, Members were advised that the Band 1 waiting list had reduced significantly over the last year. It was reported that the demand for homelessness services was still high and temporary accommodation remained full however stays in temporary accommodation were shorter.

Following a question, Members were informed that to date £1M had been spent by the Council to acquire properties, with 12 purchased in the previous year; the majority of properties purchased were former council homes and were undergoing refurbishment. Members noted the intention for half of the properties to be used as temporary accommodation for residents.

RESOLVED – That this Scrutiny Committee has no comment to make on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) – Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) for 2026-27 to 2029-30.