Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Executive Director of Community and Children’s Services briefing Members on the Government’s proposed reintroduction of rent convergence from April 2026, outlining implications for the Corporation’s housing stock, and presenting modelling scenarios to inform strategic planning and resident communications. Officers were still awaiting the release of Government guidance.

Officers advised the decision about whether to apply rent convergence and at what rate would go to the Community and Children’s Services Committee. Officers would contribute information about this decision to a budget report going to the next meeting of the Community and Children’s Services Committee in January 2026.

During discussion, officers clarified the working assumption of £2 per week uplift for properties below formula rent levels would contribute towards the Housing Revenue Account. There were 648 tenants paying below formula rent levels, with the majority living in Southbank Estates, Dron House and York Way Estate. Officers noted some tenants were paying £30-£40 less per week than their neighbours.

Members highlighted the significance of this decision to residents and to the Corporation’s finances. They noted that it would be helpful if the future report outlined current rent levels to contextualise increases and suggested the draft questionnaire be reviewed for plain English.

RESOLVED – That, the report be noted.