Agenda item

(Copy herewith)

Councillor Bottwood submitted a report that sought approval of the HRA forecasts for 2014/15 and 2015/16, rent increase service charges and other charges for 2013/14 and provided a brief update on the ongoing work of the HRA.

Councillor Markham seconded the report.

Councillor Palethorpe moved and Councillor Mason seconded:

“The Northampton Borough Labour Group proposes that £300,000 from the HRA Reserves be earmarked to provide environmental improvements on the council’s estates.

“The Northampton Labour Group propose that £250,000 from the £1m allocated to improve Sheltered Housing should be ‘ring fenced’ to provide security intercom systems for elderly and vulnerable residents living in the Councils Sheltered Housing”

Upon a vote the amendment was lost:

RESOLVED: 1. That the following be approved:

a)    An average rent increase of 4.41% per dwelling, in line with the Government’s rent restructuring Policy, convergence in 2015/16, to take effect from 1 April 2013.

b)    The service charges listed in Appendix 5.

2.  That the feedback from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be welcomed (detailed at Appendix 1).

3   That the changes to the proposed budget (detailed at Appendix 2), in light of the consultation responses and equalities issues be agreed.

4   That the HRA budget for 2013/14 of £53.4m expenditure (including options) be approved (detailed in Appendix 3).

5   That the issues and risks detailed in the Section 151 Officer’s statement on the robustness of estimates and the adequacy of the reserves (Appendix 6) be acknowledged.

6   That Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer and Support be authorised to implement all budget options and restructures.

7   That the Chief Finance Officer in consultation with the lead Cabinet Member for Finance, and where appropriate the relevant Director and lead Cabinet Member be authorised to:

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

¬  update the budget tables and Appendices, prior to Council should any further changes be necessary

¬  update prudential indicators in both the Prudential Indicators report and Treasury Strategy report, prior to Council for any budget changes that impact on these.

8   That the reserves strategy of protecting balances wherever possible to allow the option of supporting future years budgets, aiming for a minimum level of unallocated HRA reserves of £5.0m at the end of 2013/14 having regard to the outcome of the financial risk assessment and remaining at this level over the medium term and in line with the 30 year Business Plan be approved.