Issue - meetings

Report of the Cabinet Member Finance and Assets to follow

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The revised HRA forecast for 2021/22 be noted;

2.    The interim HRA budget proposals for 2022/23 (shown at Appendix 2) be approved for consultation, including a proposed rent increase of 4.1% and changes to other rents and charges as detailed within the report;

3.    The proposed HRA capital programme for 2022/23, as shown at Appendix 3 and Appendix 4, be approved;

4.    Authority be delegated to the Executive Director Finance and Assets, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to determine and approve any additional material that may be needed to support the presentation of the interim budget proposals for consultation;

5.    Consultation responses be sought by 26th January 2022.

The Cabinet Member Finance and Assets introduced the report, noting that the focus of the HRA proposals was to support the economic recovery of Cheltenham and improve the quality of life for their customers and communities. As Cheltenham recovered, they wanted to ensure that the recovery was shared as widely as possible. This could be achieved by continuing the council’s significant investment in improving existing homes and supplying much-needed new homes. Low carbon, energy efficient, high-quality homes would be warmer and cost less to run, and improve the health and wellbeing of communities. In addition to this, they would continue to provide high quality landlord and community services whilst ensuring operating costs delivered value for money.

The interim budget proposals for 2022/23, including the focus on sustainable, green investment, would ensure that the council would continue enabling tenants and communities to thrive, improving outcomes for young people, reducing inequality and supporting the economic recovery of Cheltenham.

The Cabinet Member Climate Emergency praised the focus on affordable housing. The target of 1,000 affordable homes target by 2030 would make an enormous difference to 1,000 families. The Cabinet Member Safety and Communities agreed, emphasising the need to support vulnerable people. The Cabinet Member Cyber and Strategic Transport also echoed this, noting that no other council in the country had increased its affordable housing targets by so much. Despite the tough financial situation, they were continuing to make positive decisions to secure the future of the town and support residents.

The Cabinet Member Housing added that the housing team was constantly in consultation with housing providers to deliver the best possible results. It was important to use government funding effectively and keep building for the future while delivering the best possible services.

The Cabinet Member Finance and Assets thanked colleagues for their support and for highlighting a number of key priorities. The council needed to be forward-thinking and inclusive. He thanked CBH and the finance team for their help, both on this report and across the whole pandemic.

The Leader moved to the vote, where it was unanimously:

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The revised HRA forecast for 2021/22 be noted;

2.    The interim HRA budget proposals for 2022/23 (shown at Appendix 2) be approved for consultation, including a proposed rent increase of 4.1% and changes to other rents and charges as detailed within the report;

3.    The proposed HRA capital programme for 2022/23, as shown at Appendix 3 and Appendix 4, be approved;

4.    Authority be delegated to the Executive Director Finance and Assets, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, to determine and approve any additional material that may be needed to support the presentation of the interim budget proposals for consultation;

5.    Consultation responses be sought by 26th January 2022.