Issue - meetings

RESOLVED –

(i)            the rent policy for 2019/20 be approved;

(ii)        the revised housing revenue and housing repairs account budgets for 2018/19 be approved;

(iii)       the housing revenue and housing repairs account budgets for 2019/20 be approved;

(iv)       the proposed movement in reserves be approved.

To present the 2019/20 housing revenue account budget, including the housing repairs account.

The housing revenue account budget, including the housing repairs account, was presented to members. It was noted that 2019/20 would be the final year of the government imposed 1% reduction in rents, following which they would increase by CPI+1%.

Concern was expressed in relation to disabled facilities grants and having to remove the adaptation to be able to re-let the property. In response members were assured that every attempt was made to match the adapted property to someone on the waiting list. It was also noted that any improvements made to the property were left in situ if they met safety standards.

The high level of rent arrears was raised and the impact of the removal of direct payments following introduction of universal credit. It was hoped that the government may review the situation.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.