Issue - meetings

Joint report of the Cabinet Member Finance & Community Development and the Director of Resources

The Cabinet Member Finance & Community Development introduced the HRA revised budget for 2011/12 and the Cabinet’s final HRA budget proposals for 2012/13. He asked members to note that the proposals were not ‘for consultation’ as stated in the report.

This was already considered to be a good news story and would result in an estimated £13.8 million to spend over the next 10 years, invested in new build, improving existing stock and service improvements.  The Cabinet Member highlighted the increase of £68k to the CBH budget which would enhance the role of Safer Estates and allow for the creation of a new post for an Arrears Officer.  CBH had done fantastically well achieving 3 stars, completing the Decent Homes programme ahead of schedule and the Senior Leadership Team needed to be commended for these achievements.  The Cabinet Member wished to put on record his thanks to Paul Davies for his achievements at CBH.

Prior to formally moving the recommendations the Cabinet Member Finance & Community Development asked members to note that in respect of recommendation 3 of the report the financial implications of the reorganisation will be met from CBH own resources.

Upon a vote it was unanimously

RESOLVED that;

1. The revised HRA budget and capital programme for 2011/12 be noted.

2. The 2012/13 HRA budget including a proposed average rent increase of 6.43% (applied in accordance with rent restructuring guidelines) and increases in other rents and charges as detailed at Appendix 5 be approved.

3. The 2012/13 management fees and charges for Cheltenham Borough Homes as detailed in Section 4 be approved subject to any changes relating to the current reorganisation being acceptable to Cabinet.
   
   
4. The 2012/13 HRA capital programme at Appendix 6 be approved.

Joint report of the Cabinet Member Finance and Community Development and the Director of Resources

RESOLVED that it be recommended to Council that;

1. The revised HRA budget and capital programme for 2011/12 be noted;

2. The 2012/13 HRA budget  including a proposed average rent increase of 6.43% (applied in accordance with rent restructuring guidelines) and increases in other rents and charges as detailed at Appendix 5 be approved;

3. The 2012/13 management fees and charges for Cheltenham Borough Homes as detailed in Section 4 be approved subject to any changes relating to the current reorganisation being acceptable to Cabinet;

4. The 2012/13 HRA capital programme at Appendix 6 be approved.

Having declared a prejudicial interest in this item, Councillor Colin Hay excused himself from the meeting. 

The Cabinet Member Finance & Community Development confirmed that this too had been out for consultation.  This was already considered to be a good news story, which had only improved since the announcement by the Head of Financial Services that the Council was £468k better off, resulting in more money being available locally.  This would result in an estimated £13.8 million to spend over the next 10 years, invested in new build, improving existing stock and service improvements. 

He highlighted the increase of £68k to the CBH budget which would enhance the role of Safer Estates and allow for the creation of a new post for an Arrears Officer.  CBH had done fantastically well achieving 3 stars, completing the Decent Homes programme ahead of schedule and the Senior Leadership Team needed to be commended for these achievements.  It was stressed that rents were calculated in line with a national formula, not set by the authority and whilst this would mean rent rises in Cheltenham, the good news was that this would be spent locally.

Before moving the resolutions the Cabinet Member Finance & Community Development proposed an amendment to recommendation 3, namely that is should read;

‘The 2012/13 management fees and charges for Cheltenham Borough Homes as detailed in Section 4 be approved subject to any changes relating to the current reorganisation being acceptable to Cabinet.’

The Cabinet Member Housing & Safety supported the amendment as proposed.  The senior leadership team at CBH had made great efforts to take advantage of self financing and she appreciated the work that had been undertaken.

Upon a vote it was unanimously

RESOLVED that it be recommended to Council that;

1. The revised HRA budget and capital programme for 2011/12 be noted;

2. The 2012/13 HRA budget  including a proposed average rent increase of 6.43% (applied in accordance with rent restructuring guidelines) and increases in other rents and charges as detailed at Appendix 5 be approved;

3. The 2012/13 management fees and charges for Cheltenham Borough Homes as detailed in Section 4 be approved subject to any changes relating to the current reorganisation being acceptable to Cabinet;

4. The 2012/13 HRA capital programme at Appendix 6 be approved

The Chief Executive advised that a formal process in relation to recommendation 3 and any changes relating to the current reorganisation being acceptable to Cabinet needed to be agreed. Members agreed that the matter would be reported back formally to Cabinet by the Cabinet Member Housing and Safety.