Agenda item

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer for Housing & Property and the Chief Officer Resources  (report published on 16.2.24)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer for Housing & Property and the Chief Officer Resources (Section 151 Officer) that sought Cabinet decisions on Council Housing rent setting proposals and HRA revenue and capital budget proposals.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

The officer preferred option is Option 1: Approve the budget as laid out in this report and approve the provisions, reserves and balances position (and their use); the revenue budgets and capital programme; as set out and refer onto full Council.

The Tenant Voice group were consulted on 1st February at their bi-monthly meeting, where budget headlines, including the proposed rent increase and significant areas of spend and investment, were presented by the Neighbourhood and Support Services Manager. The Tenant Voice expressed their concern about the impact of the rent increase on tenants but understood and agreed that this was appropriate in order for continued delivery of services and future ambitions. They endorsed the rent setting proposal and other key areas within the budget.

Cabinet have been consulted on the budget and confirmed rent setting proposals and other budgetary matters at 6th February 2024 meeting.

Cabinet agreed that some clarification was required with regard to Mainway with minor revisions to sections in the report to Budget Council to reflect this.

Councillor Caroline Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Ainscough:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)        That the minimum level of HRA unallocated balances be retained at £750,000 from 01 April 2024, as approved at 6th February 2024 Cabinet, and that the full Statement on Reserves and Balances as set out at Appendix E to the report, be endorsed and referred on to Budget Council for approval.

(2)        That further to consideration on 6 February, the Housing Revenue Account budget for 2024/25 onwards, as set out at Appendix A to the report, together with the resulting Capital Programme as set out at Appendix C to the report, be referred on to Budget Council for approval.

Officers responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Housing & Property

Chief Officer Resources

Reasons for making the decision:

The budget represents, in financial terms, what the Council is seeking to achieve through its approved Housing Strategy in relation to council housing.  Whilst the report highlights challenges faced within the current economic environment, Lancaster City Council’s Housing Service continues to operate a sensible but forward-looking approach, seeking to meet Regulatory requirements and deliver safe and decent homes. 

The decision is consistent with the Council Plan.  The proposals set out in the report impact positively on residents within Council Housing dwellings specifically in relation to climate change, wellbeing / social value, health and safety and community safety.