Decision details

B Recommendation of Housing Revenue Account Budget 2010-2013 to Council for approval

1.      Cabinet is to recommend to Council to approve:

a.      An average rent increase of 0.58% per dwelling, in line with the Government’s rent restructuring regime, convergence in 2012/13, to take effect from 5 April 2010.

b.      The Medium Term Planning Options and Efficiency Options at Annex 3 and 4 respectively and the revised contributions to /from working balances;

c.      The HRA budget for 2010/11 set out in Annex 1 and note the indicative budgets for 2011/12 and 2012/13;

d.      That Sheltered Accommodation Warden charges (including Eleanore House) are frozen in line with the expected funding settlement from Northampton Supporting People (as shown in Annex 2);

e.      That heating service charges are increased by 0.58% (as shown in Annex 2);

f.        That garage charges are increased by 0.58% (as shown in Annex 2);

2.      The changes to the proposed budget (detailed at Annex 5), in light of the Governments Draft and then Final HRA Subsidy Determinations are agreed.

3.      Cabinet acknowledges the issues and risks detailed in the Section 151 Officer’s statement on the robustness of estimates and the adequacy of the reserves (Annex 6).

4.      Authority is to be delegated to the Director of Finance and Support in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, and where appropriate the relevant Director and Portfolio Holder to:

·              transfer monies from earmarked reserves should that become necessary during the financial year.

·              to update the budget tables and annexes, prior to Council should any further changes be necessary.