Lead Member – Councillor Gwilym Butler, Portfolio Holder for Finance, Corporate Resources and Communities

Lead Officer – Ben Jay

REPORT TO FOLLOW

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet members agreed and recommended to full Council the recommendations below. Subject to agreement by Cabinet, full Council are asked to approve these recommendations.

1.     To note the breakdown of the total income for 2024/25 and 2025/26 and that the proposed 2025/26 charges for discretionary services represent £55.117m of the £103.858m of income derived from Fees and Charges

2.     To approve the charges for 2025/26 as detailed in Appendix 3 to be implemented from 1 April 2025.

3.     To note that as previously agreed, any changes to fees and charges proposed by Shropshire Community Leisure Trust Ltd. in relation to the outsourced leisure facilities will only be referred to Cabinet and Council for approval if the proposed increases exceed Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the preceding November.

4.     To note that the proposal in adult social care services for Assistive Technology and Maintenance Charges is under consultation.

5.     To revise housing rents as follows (subject to restrictions or exemptions identified in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill):

I.                Social Housing rents for 2025/26 are increased by 2.7% from 7th April 2025

II.              Affordable rents for 2025/26 are increased by 2.7% from 7th April 2025.

III.            Shared Ownership rents continue to be set at 2.75% of the outstanding capital value of the home at the time of sale and thereafter increased each April in accordance with the terms specified in the lease agreements

IV.            All accommodation charges for 2025/26 are increased by 2.7% from 7th April 2025.

V.              Service charges continue to be set based on actual cost.