Decision Details

Lorraine Rogers

Chief Finance Officer & Section 151 Officer

lorraine.rogers@eastsuffolk.gov.uk

1. To review, consider and comment upon the Council’s Housing Revenue Account budgets, the proposed rental increase, service and other charges and movements in reserves and balances, before making final recommendations to Full Council on 21 February 2024. This report also forms the basis of Scrutiny Committee’s review of the Budget at its meeting on 18 January 2024 as required under the Budget and Policy Framework.

2. To advise Members of the wider housing and welfare changes that will impact on future service delivery.

1. The Housing Revenue Account Budget forms part of the Council’s Budget and Policy Framework. The Council is required to set an annual budget and therefore no other options have been considered for this.

2. To set the rents at less than the September Consumer Price Index (6.7%) + 1%.

That it be recommended that Full Council approves the following:

1. The draft HRA budget for 2024/25, and the indicative figures for 2025/26 to 2027/28;

2. Movements in HRA Reserves and Balances;

3. Proposed rent increase of up to 7.7%. In line with the Rent Standard September 2023 CPI + 1%.

4. Service charges and associated fees for 2024/25;

5. Rent and Service Charges to be charged over a 51-week period unless being used for Temporary Accommodation when a 53-week period will be applied, due to 2024/25 being a 53-week year.

That the following be noted:

6. Projected outturn position for 2023/24;

7. Changes affecting public and private sector housing and welfare;

8. Effects of the cost-of-living crisis to the HRA.

Councillor Caroline Topping declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in this item, as a member of Suffolk County Council.

Councillor Craig Rivett declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in this item, as a member of Suffolk County Council.

 Councillor Seamus Bennett declared a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in this item, as a member of Suffolk County Council.