Issue - meetings
Rent and Service Charge Setting Policy
Meeting: 10/03/2026 - Cabinet (Item 109)
109 Rent and Service Charge Setting Policy 
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(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)
Report of Chief Officer Housing and Property
Additional documents:
Minutes:
(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)
Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Housing and Property that along with the associated policy confirmed the Council’s position to rent and service charge setting as laid out within the Council’s HRA budget report (February 2026 – amended annually).
The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:
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Option 1: To approve the policy and recommendations as set out in the report |
Option 2: That an alternative approach be considered. |
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Advantages |
Ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements.
The Council has an agreed approach to rent and service charge setting. |
None known |
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Disadvantages |
None known |
This would completely undermine the Council’s budget setting approach which is a statutory obligation. Further areas can be explored where legitimate and incorporated within future budget setting processes through due process. |
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Risks |
None known |
Risk of non-compliance, reputational harm. |
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The officer preferred option is Option 1: This allows officers to have a clear and transparent policy approach in line with budget setting agreements, and meets regulatory requirements.
Councillor Caroline Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Riches:-
“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”
Councillors then voted:-
Resolved unanimously:
(1) That the Policy as set out is confirmed.
(2) That Officers review options around introducing market rent for residents with an income over £60,000, and this is consulted on and considered as part of future budget setting processes.
Officer responsible for effecting the decision:
Chief Officer Housing & Property
Reasons for making the decision:
The decision is consistent with the Council Plan:
A Co-operative, Kind, and Responsible Council. This approach to rent and service charge setting handling supports openness, fairness, and service improvement.
The Rent and Service Charge Setting Policy provides a robust and transparent framework that supports the Council’s statutory budget-setting arrangements and ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements. It offers a consistent, legally sound basis for annual rent and service charge reviews across the Housing Revenue Account, reflecting the Council’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and effective financial stewardship. Endorsing this policy provides Officers the clarity needed to implement agreed approaches, safeguard the Council’s regulatory position, and ensure alignment with the Corporate Plan’s ambitions for a co-operative, kind, and responsible Council.