Issue - meetings

To consider 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.

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.