RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)     approves the updated HRA Business Plan, which includes the revised position for 2025/26 along with the proposed budget for 2026/27, as set out in Appendix A to report A.3;

(b)     approves the detailed HRA Budget proposals for 2026/27, as set out in Appendices B to E;

(c)     authorises the Corporate Director (Finance & IT), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning and the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance and Governance, to adjust the forecast / budget, including the use of reserves, if the financial position changes prior to Full Council considering the HRA budget on 17 February 2026; and

(d)     acknowledges the Statutory Officers’ and this Council’s obligations to a successor Unitary Authority as part of the current LGR proposals, including those that are expected to emerge within legislation / associated structural orders as set out within the main body of the report.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL that a 4.8% increase in dwelling rents in 2026/27, along with the detailed HRA budget proposals for 2026/27, as set out in Appendices B to E, be approved.