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.