Issue - meetings

Reporting Person – Leigh Clarke

The Executive received a report which set out the Council’s draft Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budgets for 2023-24.  It was noted that the HRA budget also faced significant challenges and was not sustainable after 2023-24.  The significant rise in energy costs was highlighted.  Further work would be required by Officers over the coming months with the final budget being received by the Executive in February 2023.

It was noted that the Autumn Statement announced today had set rent increases at 7%.  The budgeted rents as set out in the report had been prepared on the basis of 5%.  Therefore, the Executive asked Officers to prepare the budget on the basis of 7% ahead of February 2023.

Following the tragic case in Rochdale, Councillor Johnson, Portfolio Holder for Housing, reported on the procedures in place in Woking to ensure that damp and mould issues were dealt with promptly and appropriately.

Discussion ensued on the relationship between the HRA and the Sheerwater Regeneration Scheme.

RESOLVED

That  (i)    the draft Housing Revenue Account budgets for 2023/24, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be agreed; and

          (ii)   Managers, Corporate Leadership Team and Portfolio Holders continue detailed budget preparation for consideration by the Executive in February 2023.

Reason:   Consideration of these proposals will enable the preparation of the Council’s Housing Revenue Account budgets for 2023/24 to proceed.