Issue - items at meetings - Housing Revenue Account Budget Report 2009/10

Report of the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing (copy attached)

That the Housing Management Consultative Committee recommend to the Housing Cabinet Member that Cabinet:

(1) approves the  budget for 2009/10 as shown in Appendix 1

(2) approves individual rent increases and decreases in line with rent restructuring principles as determined by the Government.

(3) approves the changes to fees and charges as detailed in paragraph 3.14 to 3.20.

(4) authorises the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing to implement the new rents, fees and charges, but with delegation to make any minor amendments which may appear to be appropriate in particular cases; and

(5) authorises the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing to prepare and place   on deposit the statement of proposals, estimates and other particulars as required by Section 76 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

(6) That the Housing Management Consultative Committee recommends to Housing Cabinet that the late adjustment is included in the HRA 2009/10 budget.

57.1         The meeting considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing that presented the Housing Revenue Account Forecast Outturn for 2008/09 as at month 6 and the proposed Budget for 2009/10 as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (for copy see minute book).

57.2         The Chairman accepted an amendment tabled in relation to the report. The amendment reflected recent changes to the national economy and their impact on the Housing Revenue Account.

57.3         Councillors Mears and Wells noted the 3 million Housing Subsidy that the Government collected from the council. They felt that this could be perceived as a ‘tax’ levied on Tenants.

57.4         Councillor Simpson noted the many years that the council had benefited from the subsidy. She also noted that Government were currently looking to review of subsidy arrangements.

57.5         Councillor Fryer noted a reduction in the gardening scheme for older people. Officers clarified that the reduction was in administration of the scheme rather than to the budget.

57.6         In response to a query from Councillor Fryer, Officers reported that the 1.6 million identified in the report would be the subject of a report to the next meeting, in consideration of the Capital Programme.

57.7         Councillor Fryer asked if there were to be reductions in the number of Community Wardens. Officers explained that of the 13 posts originally created only 12 were recruited too. Following restructuring the 13^th post was redundant and had been abolished.

57.8         Councillor Allen asked about the re-alignment of rent charges in anticipation of stock transfer in 2007. Officers commented that this work was required by the Government of The South East in order to access Stock Transfer Gap Funding.

57.9         RESOLVED – That, having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Housing Management Consultative Committee accepted the following recommendations:

That the Housing Management Consultative Committee recommend to the Housing Cabinet Member that Cabinet:

(1) approves the  budget for 2009/10 as shown in Appendix 1

(2) approves individual rent increases and decreases in line with rent restructuring principles as determined by the Government.

(3) approves the changes to fees and charges as detailed in paragraph 3.14 to 3.20 of the report.

(4) authorises the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing to implement the new rents, fees and charges, but with delegation to make any minor amendments which may appear to be appropriate in particular cases; and

(5) authorises the Director of Adult Social Care & Housing to prepare and place   on deposit the statement of proposals, estimates and other particulars as required by Section 76 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

(6) That the Housing Management Consultative Committee recommends to Housing Cabinet that the late adjustment is included in the HRA 2009/10 budget.