Issue - meetings

This item is due to be pre-scrutinised at a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 17^th February 2026. Any recommendations arising from the meeting will be published in a supplementary pack for the Executive Committee meeting.

The Assistant Director of Environmental and Housing Property Services presented the Quarter Three Housing Improvement Plan (HIP) Update report.

In doing so, he drew Members’ attention to the clear, measurable progress that had been made since the regulatory judgement in July 2025.

In relation to outstanding actions, it was highlighted that there were nine ‘Green’, five ‘Amber’ and one ‘Red’ rated actions. It was noted that the one ‘Red’ action was due to delays with the implementation of the Total Mobile system which had been discussed in the previous minute item.

It was reported that fire safety had been highlighted as an issue through the regulatory judgement. The table contained within the report demonstrated the improvement that had been made since then. Members were assured that officers were looking to make further improvements moving forward and would be setting quarterly targets in order to evidence improvement. In addition, the Committee was advised that officers were seeking to accelerate the fire safety works with funding which had been allocated in the Medium Term Financial Plan.

In relation to transparency, officers were currently progressing with their annual report for 2025/2026. Quarterly performance would be included in the annual report to provide an oversight of progress against the HIP. A new communications strategy was also being implemented to ensure tenants were provided with regular and clear updates.

It was reported that a new Senior Complaints Officer had been recruited and the process was underway to recruit a Tenant Experience Manager and Senior Tenancy Engagement Officer.

The Assistant Director advised that two out of three actions had been completed with regards to ‘Neighbourhood and Community’. One ‘Amber’ issue was outstanding which related to Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) cases. It was explained that the team were progressing with the procurement of new ASB software.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing thanked the Assistant Director and the wider team for producing the report. With regard to the Tenant Satisfaction Survey 2025, it was noted that this had now closed and the response rate had been positive. Moving forward, the Portfolio Holder explained that a plan was being developed for tenant scrutiny and an oversight board. Members were advised that the Council continued to meet regularly with the housing regulator, which provided constructive support in ensuring the Council remained on track and maintained appropriate records.

It was also noted that additional funding had been allocated to address the outstanding and overdue fire safety works, this included the replacement of fire doors.

The Portfolio Holder drew Members’ attention to the Council’s ‘Community and Housing’ priorities –

• Build more Council homes.
• Ensure the Council’s housing stock was clean and safe to live in.
• Reduce the housing waiting list.
• Reduce the number of families in temporary accommodation.
• Improve time taken for repairs to be completed.

Members were advised that temporary accommodation figures were fluctuating but on the whole were improving. It was explained that the Council was hoping to acquire purpose adapted buildings to support those suffering from homelessness.

The Chair commented  ...  view the full minutes text for item 91