Decision details

10.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report providing the 2019/20 update of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan. It includes proposals to:

• Take a proactive approach to managing our neighbourhoods and supporting our tenants

• Prioritise investment in fire safety measures

• Continue to deliver improvements to our tenants’ homes to make sure they continue to be well maintained over the next 5 years

• Keep costs under control and explore HRA savings with the aim of getting better value for money on contracts and paying for the services we use

• Accelerate the council housing new build programme and maximise the use of HRA flexibilities to further increase the provision of new homes

10.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet recommends to the meeting of the City Council on 6 February 2019 that:

(a)

the HRA Business Plan report for 2019/20, as set out in the appendix to the report, is approved;

(b)

the HRA Revenue Budget 2019/20, as set out in the appendix to the report, is approved;

(c)

rents for Council dwellings, including temporary accommodation, are reduced by 1% from April 2019 in line with requirements in the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016;

(d)

garage rents for garage plots and garage sites will remain unchanged for 2019/20;

(e)

the community heating standing charge will increase by 20p per week for 2019/20;

(f)

the sheltered housing service charge will remain unchanged for 2019/20;

(g)

burglar alarm charges will remain unchanged for 2019/20; and

(h)

Service charges for furnished accommodation will remain unchanged for 2019/20.

10.3

Reasons for Decision

10.3.1

To optimise the number of good quality affordable Council homes in the city.

10.3.2

To maximise the financial resources to deliver key outcomes for tenants and the city in the context of a self-financing funding regime.

10.3.3

To ensure that tenants’ homes continue to be well maintained and to optimise investment in estates.

10.3.4

To assure the long term sustainability of Council housing in Sheffield.

10.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

10.4.1

Sheffield City Council has a statutory duty to produce an annual balanced HRA budget, which is evidenced by the Business Plan update, therefore no alternative option was considered to producing the report.

10.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

10.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

10.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Laraine Manley, Executive Director, Place

10.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

N/A

(Note: This is subject to approval at Full Council at its meeting to be held on 6 February 2019 and is not subject to call-in).