Decision - Housing Revenue Account Budget 2009/10

To agree the budget estimates including savings proposals, reserve levels, rent and service charge levels, and the Housing Revenue Account for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 2009/10 and recommend approval by Cabinet and Full Council.

That the Housing Cabinet Member recommend 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.

The Local Government and Housing Act 1989 requires each Local Authority to formulate proposals relating to income from rent and charges, expenditure on repairs, maintenance, supervision and management and any other prescribed matters in respect of the HRA. In formulating these proposals using best estimates and assumptions the Authority must set a balanced account. This budget report provides a breakeven budget and recommends rent increases in line with current government guidance.

There are no alternative options proposed. Rents are set in accordance with the Government’s rent restructuring guidance and increases are in line with the Housing Subsidy Determination. The Housing Subsidy Determination controls rent setting by removing resources from local authorities through non compliance.