In January, Cabinet members will consider the Housing Revenue Account for 2025/2026.
The HRA budget, is an essential part of our long-term housing strategy and outlines key investments in council homes, proposed rent levels, and a comprehensive housing capital investment programme for 2025-2030. The report will be presented to Cabinet on Wednesday 8 January and Full Council in February.
Cabinet members will also be asked to approve the Berneslai Homes Strategic Annual Business Plan which details the key actions and areas of focus for the coming year and breakdown of what the management fee will be spent on. The business plan has been developed working with the Berneslai Homes Board and the Council. After our C1 housing inspection outcome, we are now looking at how we can work to improve our offer for tenants following their feedback.
Our goal is to make sure that the council’s housing is maintained in line with decency standards and all legislative requirements. This year, we’ll be making a one-year investment of £5.394M to clear our backlog of repairs. We’ll also be increasing our repairs annual budget by £3.5M to fund essential works and adaptations.
The Council’s HRA faces significant pressures due to rising material costs, inflation, and increased regulatory requirements, including compliance with new building safety and damp and mould legislation.
Our proposal is to increase rent by 2.7%, in line with the Government rent policy which will help us to maintain decency standards in our housing stock, and help us deliver many of the improvements tenants have been asking for. The proposed increase would work out at an additional £2.44 per week, increasing the average weekly from £90.66 to £93.10. We want to assure tenants who are affected by the increase that additional support is available for those who need it.
Cllr Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture said: “This budget represents our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to a safe, warm, and affordable home.
“While we face challenges with the HRA nationally, these investments will help us address immediate needs while preparing for the future.
“The proposed increase to tenants’ rent will help us to fulfil the needs of our tenants and will support our continued investment in council homes.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners and residents to ensure Barnsley remains a great place to live.”
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