Issue - meetings

To consider any requests received in accordance with Standing Orders.

Mr Paul Burnham addressed the Cabinet in respect of agenda item 10 - 2023-24 Budget and 2023-2028 Medium Term Financial Strategy Report.

Mr Burnham considered that Council tenants should have been consulted on the proposed increase to rent and service charges in the 2023/24 budget.  The proposed shift to the London Affordable Rent for new council homes would create a gap between the new rent and normal Council rents.  This scheme was being phased out, and a report by Shelter stated that these rent levels were not affordable for typical lower income families with both parents working, one full time and one part time.  Mr Burnham noted that the Shelter report did not include service charges, which would put a further burden on households.  He suggested that the increase in service charge would not have an impact on the housing new build and acquisition programme.  The proposed freeze in rent and light charges was welcome, but the Council could have gone further.  Mr Burnham suggested all rent and service charge increases be withdrawn and proper consultation be carried out with tenants.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Private Renters, and Planning responded to the deputation.  The Council did not want to increase rents and service charges, however these were as a result of years of austerity and cuts.  It was a difficult choice to make, but this was the position that the Council were in.  Housing Services were brought back into the Council on 1 June 2022, and the Council had a responsibility to improve Council homes and services for residents.  The consultation was not invalid as consultation was only required where a contract was going to change in terms of service charges.  The Cabinet Member referred to the minutes of the Cabinet meeting on 6 December 2022, where London Affordable Rents were discussed previously.