Decision details

To consider a report of the Head of Decent Homes, seeking approval to introduce and agree the level of service charge to all tenants connected to the communal digital TV system, following the installation of the digital TV upgrade across the city (commencing in June 2010).

The new digital TV system upgrade with the agreement that all tenants would pay for the service through a service charge, was agreed at Cabinet on 22^nd December 2008.

The Executive Director of Neighbourhoods as Chief Officer has authority under delegated power number 1.1.8, to set, approve or vary the scale of fees and charges for all services within their Directorate, following consultation with the Cabinet Member and the Solicitor to the Council.

(i)  Introduce an estimated service charge for tenants at £0.45 per week per property (£21.60 per annum), this includes annual maintenance;

(ii)  To agree an annual review is undertaken of the maintenance service and to revise the charge for the maintenance element accordingly;

(iii)  To agree the above charge is introduced as soon as the properties have the system installed;

(iv)  To delegate authority to the Head of Decent Homes to revise the charge in future years in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member.

1  Following a successful tender process the Council is employing a contractor (Firstline Digital) to install the new digital television system with on-going maintenance of the system required for up to 5 years.

2  Prudential borrowing is to be used to fund this project and this will be repaid over a 10 year period.

3  Prudential borrowing is to be used to fund this project and this will be repaid over a 10 year period.

4  The service charges will be in place for the duration of the loan period for tenants with only a maintenance charge continuing after this period.

5  Introducing the charges as soon as the property has the system installed will benefit the Council receiving income immediately for the work completed, to balance the cost of borrowing money for this project.

None detailed in report.