Hounslow Council's Housing Revenue Account (HRA) has seen its reserves significantly boosted by £4.9 million, a substantial improvement of £3.1 million compared to the budgeted contribution. This positive financial outcome strengthens the HRA's reserve position and accelerates its trajectory towards the 15% reserve target set in the HRA Business Plan, now projected to be reached in 2027/28, three years ahead of the original target.
The improved financial position was highlighted during the Hounslow Council Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 14 July 2026, where the Budget Outturn for 2025-2026 was reviewed. Councillor Max Mosley, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, presented the figures, attributing the positive outcome to good financial discipline and maturity across the organisation.
He added, We are still undertaking our benchmarking work, but we are expecting to be seen favourably to other councils in terms of budget accuracy and outturned performance, certainly within the upper quartile, we'll be pleased to know.
Councillor Sue Sampson, Cabinet Member for Housing, expressed satisfaction with the HRA's performance, noting a surplus of over £5 million compared to a planned £1.7 million. The HRA has delivered a particularly strong performance, achieving a surplus of more than £5 million compared with a planned £1.7 million. This represents an improvement on the approximately £3.3 million which will be added to HRA reserves,
she stated.
Councillor Sampson also highlighted the strong delivery on the HRA capital side, with 94% of the £30 million estate investment programme delivered. On the capital side of the HRA, delivery remains strong with a £28.1 million of the £30 million estate investment programme delivered, be it 94%,
she confirmed. This strengthens the HRA's reserve position and supports future house building and investment plans. The strength and reserve position increases resilience and supports future house building and investment plans,
Councillor Sampson added.
The £4.9 million contribution to the HRA's General Reserve, which is £3.1 million better than budgeted, strengthens the council's financial standing. This improved position is further evidenced by the projected achievement of the 15% reserve target in 2027/28, three years ahead of schedule. This accelerated progress provides greater capacity to invest and manage future risks.
More details on the HRA's financial performance and the budget outturn for 2025-2026 can be found in the Public reports pack Tuesday 14 July 2026 presented to the Cabinet meeting. The Agenda frontsheet Tuesday 14 July 2026 and Printed minutes Tuesday 14 July 2026 are also available.