Issue - meetings

RESOLVED THAT

1.      The revised HRA budget for 2012/13 be noted.

2.      The interim HRA budget proposals for 2013/14 be approved for consultation including a proposed average rent increase of 3.43% (applied in accordance with national rent restructuring guidelines) and increases in other rents and charges as detailed at Appendix 5.

3.      The proposed HRA capital programme for 2013/14 be approved as shown at Appendix 3.

4.      Authority be delegated to the Director of Resources, 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 31st January 2013.

The Cabinet Member Finance introduced the report which summarised the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revised budget for 2012/13 and the Cabinet’s interim budget proposals for 2013/14 for consultation. He explained that this was work in progress and more information would be available once the final budget had been approved at the end of February.

The HRA budget proposals reflected the impact of the new self financing regime for local authority housing. In February 2012 the Council approved a new 30 year HRA business plan which anticipated significant additional resources arising from the implementation of self financing. The 2013/14 budget contained exciting proposals for new build and improvements to existing stock as well as helping tenants through welfare reform. The Cabinet Member Finance commended Cheltenham Borough Homes on its approach to addressing the impact of benefit changes and the impending universal credit system on its tenants.

The proposed rent increase of 3.43 % was a disappointment but this was due to the application of government rent restructuring guidelines. More discretion could be exercised on other service charges.

Members welcomed the approach CBH was taking with regard to investing and protecting the most vulnerable in the context of welfare reform.

The Leader explained that the Council was proposing to consult on these budget proposals during the period to 31 January which would allow CBH to respond at their Board meeting on 30 January. He said that CBH was doing a valuable job in managing the council’s housing stock and providing supportive advice to tenants was welcomed.

RESOLVED THAT

1.      The revised HRA budget for 2012/13 be noted.

2.      The interim HRA budget proposals for 2013/14 be approved for consultation including a proposed average rent increase of 3.43% (applied in accordance with national rent restructuring guidelines) and increases in other rents and charges as detailed at Appendix 5.

3.      The proposed HRA capital programme for 2013/14 be approved as shown at Appendix 3.

4.      Authority be delegated to the Director of Resources, 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 31st January 2013.