Issue - meetings

Reporting Person – Leigh Clarke

The Executive received a report which set out the Council’s draft Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budgets for 2021-22.  The Portfolio Holder reported that social housing rents were now being increased by CPI + 1% following the end of the rent reduction period in April 2020.  The impact of the Covid pandemic on HRA rent collection was highlighted, as well as the impact of the Sheerwater Regeneration Scheme on the HRA.

It was confirmed that New Vision Homes (NVH) engaged with other agencies in order to provide support for residents and tenants in terms of maximising benefits available.  Regarding Sheerwater void properties, Officers advised that regular meetings were held to discuss voids, including work required and the length of time before their phase of the project was needed.

RESOLVEd

That  (i)    the draft Housing Revenue Account budgets for 2021/22, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be agreed; and

          (ii)   Managers, Corporate Management Group and Portfolio Holders continue detailed budget preparation for consideration by the Executive in February 2021.

Reason:   Consideration of these proposals will enable the preparation of the Council’s Housing Revenue Account budgets for 2021/22 to proceed.