Agenda item

Report of Managing Director

Submitted – A report (previously circulated) of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services which had been considered by Cabinet at its meeting held on 11 December, 2018, requesting that this Scrutiny Committee consider Cabinet’s proposals in relation to the revenue budget, rent level and service charges for the Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for the financial year 2019/20 in the context of the HRA Medium Term Financial Plan 2022/23 and the 30 year Business Plan.

It was reported that the proposals were in line with the Government’s requirements for all social landlords to implement an average weekly rent reduction each year for four years from 2016/17 of one per cent, which would give an average weekly rent for 2019/20 of £70.53.

Discussion also on the decision by the Government to lift the borrowing cap on the HRA and it was reported that, in 2019/20 alone, it would enable the Council to increase its housing capital programme by around £12 million.  This could be supplemented with the Homes England grant to provide more than 1000 much need Council homes at affordable rents over the next ten years.

The Assistant Director Housing and Building Services reported that over 180 households had already benefited from the Council’s current new build programme which had taken place at various locations across the Town and demand for these houses had been exceptionally high.

RESOLVED – That the report be received.