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Cabinet members will discuss the Housing Revenue Account and Berneslai Homes’ Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plan.
Cabinet members will consider the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2026/27 on Wednesday 21 January.
The HRA budget is an essential part of our long-term housing strategy and outlines key investments in council homes, proposed rent levels, and a comprehensive housing capital investment programme for 2026/27. The report will also be presented to Full Council in February.
Cabinet members will also be asked to approve the Berneslai Homes Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plan, which details the key actions and areas of focus for the coming year. Continuing to build on the C1 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing, the plan emphasises an ongoing commitment to tenant safety, working closely with tenants to listen and respond to feedback, and increasing efficiency and effectiveness.
Our goal is to make sure that excellent customer service is provided, and that the council’s housing stock is maintained to the highest possible standard, is safe, and is legislatively compliant.
We are investing:
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£29 million core investment programme to ensure decency across the stock for 2026/27.
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A further £0.6 million in an enhanced customer offer.
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Indicative £5 million over five years for building safety.
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Indicative £9 million over five years for environmental estate improvement works.
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Indicative £42 million to deliver EPC C stock rating in all stock by 2030.
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Indicative £43 million new build and acquisitions programme to deliver more than 200 new homes into the HRA.
During the next budget planning cycle, priorities will need to be considered for the housing stock and tenant engagement will occur to ensure that the HRA is sustainable in the longer term.
HRAs across the country are facing significant pressures due to a range of factors such as the uncertain fiscal climate, rising material costs, non-cyclical inflation increases, and increased regulatory requirements, including compliance with new building safety and damp and mould legislation.
The proposal is to increase rents by 4.8% in line with the Government’s current rent policy which will help us to maintain safe and legislatively compliant homes and help us to deliver many of the improvements tenants have been asking for.
The proposed increase would work out at an additional £4.48 per week (52 weeks), increasing the average weekly from £93.35 to £97.83. We want to assure tenants who are affected by the increase that additional support is available for those who need it.
Following government consultation, the full details of rent convergence remain unclear. Officers will bring a further report to Cabinet setting out the impacts should rent convergence become an option in the future.
Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said:
“This budget represents our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every resident has access to a safe, warm, and affordable home.
“While we face challenges with the HRA nationally, these investments will help us address immediate needs while preparing for the future.
“The proposed increase to tenants’ rent will help us to fulfil the needs of our tenants and will support our continued investment in council homes.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners and residents to ensure Barnsley remains a great place to live.”
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