Minute 409 – item 14 refers

Called-in by Councillors J L Lamb and A E Holland

The Committee considered Minute 409 of Cabinet held on 10^th November, 2015 which had been called in to scrutiny, together with a report of the Corporate Director for People on the various financial pressures facing the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

With regard to service charges for heating, the Corporate Director said that he would investigate the feasibility of new Southend Energy company supplying energy to sheltered flats.

Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:-

“1. That the submitted report be noted.

2. That the refund of overpaid heating charges, be approved.

3. That from 2016/17 consideration be given to South Essex Homes being charged with setting and recovering service, heating and water charges directly, and their management fee be reduced accordingly.”

Note:- This is an Executive Function.

Executive Councillor:- Cllr Norman MBE

Report of Corporate Director for Corporate Services

The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for People on the various financial pressures facing the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).

Resolved:-

1. That the submitted report be noted;

2. That the refund of overpaid heating charges, be approved.

3. That from 2016/17 consideration be given to South Essex Homes being charged with setting and recovering service, heating and water charges directly, and their management fee be reduced accordingly.  

Reasons for Decision

1.    To bring to the attention of Members, ahead of the HRA budget and rent setting 2016/17 report, various pressures facing the HRA as a result of recent changes in government policy and on-going work to ensure charges are reasonable to tenants.

2.    To address issues in relation to service charges.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.

Eligible to call-in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor:- Cllr Norman