Issue - meetings

(Housing and Community Services) To consider the attached report (C-010-2020-21).

The Cabinet agreed to the adoption and implementation of the updated Housing Rents Policy which set out Epping Forest District Council’s approach to the setting of rent and service charges ensuring compliance with current legislation, the requirements of the Regulator’s Rent Standard and recognised best practice. 

The Housing and Community Services Portfolio Holder introduced the report on the Council’s Housing Rents Policy.

A Housing Rents Policy was required in order to outline how the Council would calculate, consult and charge rent and service charges for Housing Revenue Account (HRA) owned stock that the Council had responsibility to manage and maintain.

The previous Housing Rents Policy 2016-17 had been updated, resulting in a Housing Rents Policy 2020 which reflected the requirements of the Social Housing Regulator’s new Rent Standard which came into force on 1 April 2020.

Decision:

The Cabinet agreed to the adoption and implementation of the updated Housing Rents Policy which set out Epping Forest District Council’s approach to the setting of rent and service charges ensuring compliance with current legislation, the requirements of the Regulator’s Rent Standard and recognised best practice. 

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

There was a statutory requirement to have a Housing Rents Policy. The purpose of which ensures compliance with government legislation when setting rent and service charges. It also ensures that the HRA does not fall into a deficit position, helps the Council to plan for future investments, and protects tenants from excessive rent increases.

Other Options Available:

Not to have an updated Housing Rents Policy.