Gosport Borough Council Housing Board Meeting

Apologies for non attendance were received from Councillor Hutchison who was substituted by Councillor Maynard.

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Consideration was given to a report by the Borough Treasurer and Housing Services Manager setting out the proposed Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget, the proposed rent levels and other charges and the proposed maintenance programme for 2023/24.

Members thanked Officers for their thorough and detailed briefings, at which their questions had been answered and clarification of the implications of the proposed increases had been given.

Officers explained that over 71% of Council tenants are in receipt of some form of benefit, so for them, the additional rent would be covered through the benefits process. Members were reassured that for those tenants who would be liable for the increase in rent but not in receipt of benefits, help would be available to help budget.

Members were advised that the proposed increase had been benchmarked with several neighbouring authorities who all appeared to be applying the same percentage increase.

RESOLVED: That the Board recommend to Council:

·         The revised HRA Business Plan Financial Model extract (Appendix A) and associated 2022/23 Revised Budget and 2023/24 Budget (Appendix B) is agreed

·         That Council Dwelling rents increase by 7% in line with the outcome of the government consultation results published in December

·         Service charges increase on average by 4%. Council provided heating services will increase in line with costs.

·         The rent for all garages is increased by 10.1% (CPI rate) in line with inflation, as agreed in the garage Renewal strategy.