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    Rent and Service Charge Setting Policy

    1. Introduction

    1.1 Scope

    This policy outlines Gateshead Council's approach to the calculation and review of rents and service charges for council-owned homes in the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The policy applies to:

    • HRA rented residential accommodation
    • service charges for HRA rented accommodation
    • garage rent

    The policy does not cover:

    • rent and service charges for General Fund residential properties
    • shops and commercial premises
    • shared ownership accommodation
    • ground rents and service charges for leasehold residential accommodation

    1.2 Purpose

    The purpose of the policy is to:

    • ensure that the council adheres to current government legislation and regulation when setting and agreeing rents and service charges
    • provide a clear, consistent and transparent framework for setting and reviewing the rent for all HRA properties
    • support the delivery of the HRA Business Plan and enable investment in existing homes and new affordable housing
    • enable ongoing and future investment in service chargeable items and ensure estate-based services are maintained, where a service charge is applicable 
    Next : 2. Key principles and priorities
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