Issue - meetings

Toseek Councilapproval forthe proposedapplicable rentincrease allowable under theDirection onthe RentStandard 2026 for Council tenants and other housing tenures (report of the Assistant Director – Housing enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Assistant Director – Housing which sought Council approval for the proposed applicable rent increase allowable under the Direction on the Rent Standard 2026 for Council tenants and other housing tenures.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing introduced the report, noting the following points:

• When the report was published, the Government had not yet finalised the 2026 Rent Standard, so three options were presented for social rented properties on page 128 of the report. MHCLG had announced that afternoon that the rent policy continued to be set at an increase of up to CPI + 1%. 
• The report recommended that the Council approve the maximum increase permitted under the Rent Standard.  This maximum increase was now confirmed as 4.8% for all properties within the HRA and those managed by the HRA.
• Setting rents at the maximum level permitted was essential to ensure the long-term viability of our Housing Revenue Account and to deliver on our 30-year Business Plan. 
• The team remained committed to supporting those who may face financial hardship with dedicated Tenant Fund continuing. 

Councillor Woolf declared an interest as a renter of a garage within the HRA stock and therefore did not vote on the item.

DECISION:

That:

a)    South Holland District Council approve the following rent increases for 2026/27:

b)    South Holland District Council approve that, for 2026/27, rents for properties let at a social rent are set at the maximum level permitted under the 2026 Rent Standard.

c)    South Holland District Council approve that, for 2026/27, rents for South Holland Homes properties are set at the maximum level permitted under the 2026 Rent Standard.