Lead Member: Councillor James Owen, Portfolio Holder for Housing

Lead Officer: Paula Mawson, Service Director – Customer & Communities

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved the HRA Policy at Appendix A developed as part of the HRA review undertaken in June 2026, and delegated authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the relevant Service Director, to make any minor amendments required to support implementation and ensure alignment with the approved HRA Business Plan.  

2.     Approved the 30-year HRA Business Plan 2026 at Appendix A, including its financial strategy, investment programme, and statutory compliance measures.  

3.     Noted that provision has been made within the HRA Business Plan to support potential applications for Government grant funding to increase capacity within the HRA stock. This does not constitute approval to submit a bid. A further detailed report will be brought back to Cabinet for consideration and approval before any bid is submitted, setting out the proposed programme, financial implications, match funding requirements and associated delivery arrangements. 

Cabinet considered the draft Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Policy and 30-year Business Plan and agreed that both documents should be referred to Housing Scrutiny before returning for final approval. Members were advised that the HRA remained in a sound financial position and that the plan provided the framework for future investment, governance and budget decisions.

Members highlighted the significant investment required to meet future regulatory requirements, including property safety, housing quality and energy efficiency standards, while maintaining the long-term sustainability of the housing stock. Members recognised the opportunity for the HRA to support future affordable housing development once compliance and improvement programmes had been delivered, noting the continuing demand for affordable housing across Shropshire.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approved the HRA Policy at Appendix A developed as part of the HRA review undertaken in June 2026, and delegated authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the relevant Service Director, to make any minor amendments required to support implementation and ensure alignment with the approved HRA Business Plan.  

2.     Approved the 30-year HRA Business Plan 2026 at Appendix A, including its financial strategy, investment programme, and statutory compliance measures.  

3.     Noted that provision has been made within the HRA Business Plan to support potential applications for Government grant funding to increase capacity within the HRA stock. This does not constitute approval to submit a bid. A further detailed report will be brought back to Cabinet for consideration and approval before any bid is submitted, setting out the proposed programme, financial implications, match funding requirements and associated delivery arrangements.