Issue - meetings

To consider a joint report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) and the Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities)

The report provides details of a draft rent strategy for Council Dwellings for the period 2012-2017.  The strategy details three aims:

·         To put rent setting into a local and national context;

·         To set a strategic framework for setting rents over the next five years; and,

·         To facilitate more regular consultation on the approach in Stockport and ensure a wider group of tenants and stakeholders are informed about the implications of setting rents.

The strategy endorses the view that the case for following rent restructuring is compelling and needed to ensure a sustainable HRA that maintains and enhances the current housing stock and provides excellent services to tenants in Stockport.

The Executive is recommended to endorse the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Rent Strategy 2012 – 2017.

Officer contact: Paul Lawrence, 0161 474 4515, paul.lawrence@stockport.gov.uk 

The Executive Councillor (Supporting Communities) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Executive Meeting to consider a rent strategy for 2012-2017 that would set a framework for the annual rent increases required as part of the thirty year business plan and asset management plan for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

Executive Councillors commended the improvements to the housing stock achieved so far and stressed the need to ensure the deliverability of future improvements through the HRA business plan and asset management plan.

RESOLVED – That the Housing Revenue Account Rent Strategy 2012-2017 be endorsed and approved.

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director for Corporate and Support Services, Service Director (Place Development) and the Chief Executive of Stockport Homes,.

The report details a future a draft rent strategy for the years 2012 – 2017, in order to frame the annual rent increases following on from the thirty year business plan and asset management plan approved in February 2012 for the Housing Revenue Account.

The Scrutiny Committee is recommended to consider the draft strategy and express their views as part of the consultation process.

Officer contact: Michael Cullen on 474 4631 or email: michael.cullen@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Development) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) detailing a future draft Rent Strategy for the years 2012-2017 in order to frame the annual rent increases following on from the 30 year business plan and asset management plan approved in February 2012 for the Housing Revenue Account.

The Executive Councillor for Supporting Communities (Councillor Mark Weldon) also attended the meeting to answer Members’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         Consultation with tenants was being undertaken through three ‘Stockport Homes’ HUBS’ sessions, the first of which was held on 22 November 2012.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the impact of the introduction of benefit-capping for under-occupied properties.  It was stated that Stockport Homes had put in place measures to mitigate the impact of the changes, including the appointment of two advisors to assist tenants with the change and giving people the opportunity to move into more suitable accommodation.

·         A discussion took place around the challenges that Stockport Home would face in the future as a result of payments of benefits direct to tenants, particularly in relation to the collection of rents and service charges.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.