Decision details

Members considered proposals for the business plan, revenue budget estimates, capital programme and proposed fees and charges in respect of the Council’s priority area of Housing to have a good quality home for everyone. Members line of enquiries included the following:

·       Changes to legislation and the Preventable Reform Bill and landlords issuing Section 21 Notices would impact the targets for Homelessness cases. There had been vacancies in the team during 2023/24 but still exceeded the target.

·       Query regarding the Section 31 grant funding expected to support the increased cost of employers National Insurance Contributions.

·       Confirmation that the repairs and maintenance budget was a one off budget and not a reduction.

·       Further impacts with borrowing costs and interest rates

The Committee RECOMMENDED that:

1.       Cabinet approves the Housing Business Plan.

2.       Cabinet recommends to Council that the following be approved:

a)   The detailed revenue budget estimates for 2025/26 (base)

b)   The capital programme for 2025/26 to 2027/28

c)   The fees and charges for 2025/26.