Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing.

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Council Meeting to set the level of rent and service charges in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and approve the HRA budget for 2024/25.

RESOLVED – That approval be given to:

(a)  An increase of 7.7% for social rent and affordable rent.

(b)  An increase of 9.4% for rent of shared ownership properties.

(c)  Service charge increases as outlined in section 3, with authority delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing to agree a lower increase should this be necessary.

(d)  The Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2024/25 as set out in Appendix 1.

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing.

The report provides an update on the key announcements made by the Department for Education (DfE) on the education funding settlement for 2023/24.

The Cabinet is asked to recommend that the Council Meeting approves:

(1) An increase of 7.7% for social and affordable rent.

(2) An increase of 9.4% for rent of shared ownership properties.

(3) Service charge increases as outlined in section 3, with authority delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing, to agree a lower increase should this be necessary.

(4) The Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2024/25 as set out in Appendix 1.

Officer contact: Andy Kippax on 474 4319 or email: andy.kippax@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing (Councillor Colin MacAlister) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a proposed HRA budget for 2024/25, including the level of rent and service charges. 

RESOLVED - That the Council Meeting be recommended to give approval to:-

(1) An increase of 7.7% for social and affordable rent.

(2) An increase of 9.4% for rent of shared ownership properties.

(3) Service charge increases as outlined the updated section 3 in this addendum, with authority delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing, to agree a lower increase should this be necessary.

(4) The Housing Revenue Account Budget for 2024/25 as set out in Appendix 1.

To consider a joint report of the Director (Corporate and Support Services) and Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Place Management. 

The report provides detail on the illustrative Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2024/25, including the level of rent and service charges.   

The Scrutiny Committee is requested to note the report. 

Officer contact: Michael Cullen 0161 474 4631 | michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk  

The Director for Corporate and Support Services and Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Place Management submitted a joint report (copies of which had been circulated) providing detail on the illustrative Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget for 2024/25, including the level of rent and service charges.

The Cabinet Member for Economy, Regeneration & Housing (Councillor Colin MacAlister) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:

·         Members welcomed the proposed continuation of hardship fund provision into 2024/25 in providing additional support to families that need it most.

·         Key updates and data on homelessness and housing need in the borough were expected to be included within future Portfolio Performance and Resources Reports.

·         It was noted that the proposed service charge increases would support with maintenance of the council’s stock in ensuring good quality stock, as well as supporting future ambitions for the stock, including climate ambitions.  

·         It was felt that the ‘Right to Buy’ policy continued to prove problematic, and it was noted that Greater Manchester (GM) local authorities were intending to put proposals to government on the matter.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.