Rent and Service Charge Setting Policy

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