Agenda item

Council considered recommendations that had been agreed at three separate meetings of the Executive Committee held on 17^th March, 28^th July and 8^th September 2026. As announced by the Mayor at the commencement of the meeting, at the previous ordinary meeting of Council, consideration of the Empty Homes Policy had been deferred to allow Members additional time to consider an updated version of the document.

Empty Homes Policy

The Portfolio Holder for Housing presented the report and thanked officers for their work in preparing the policy and responding to concerns raised by Members. It was explained that the proposed amendments were minor but important, consisting of revised wording to make clear that the policy related exclusively to empty homes in the private sector and not to the Council's own housing stock. Members were assured that these amendments would help to avoid any potential misunderstanding.

During the debate, the importance of bringing empty properties back into use was highlighted, particularly given the ongoing demand for housing within the Borough. Whilst Redditch compared favourably with many other areas in relation to the proportion of long-term empty homes, it was noted that there were still approximately 320 properties that had been vacant for more than six months. Members were advised that each property returned to occupation had the potential to provide an additional home and formed an important part of making best use of existing housing stock alongside the delivery of new homes.

Members welcomed the revised policy and the additional clarification provided in the document to address concerns that had previously been raised.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Ashley Monk and seconded by Councillor Matthew Dormer.

Food Waste Collections Implementation

The Mayor advised that this item had been withdrawn from the agenda at the request of officers.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025/26

In the absence of the Portfolio Holder for Finance, the Leader presented the Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025/26.

The purpose of the Annual Report was to set out the Council's treasury management and capital financing position, together with performance against the Prudential Indicators for the year. It was noted that the reporting period had been characterised by continued economic uncertainty and fluctuating interest rates. Throughout this period, the Council's primary objective had been the prudent management of borrowing and financial risk.

As at 31st March 2026, the Council's total external borrowing stood at £115.93 million, which remained within the Council's authorised borrowing limit. Members were advised that the Council's treasury management activities during the year had been conducted in accordance with the Treasury Management Code and the Council's approved Treasury Management Strategy. It was further reported that the Council had complied with all relevant Prudential Indicators and investment limits.

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Matthew Dormer and seconded by Councillor Gemma Monaco.

Quarter 4 Financial Monitoring and Outturn Report 2025/26

The Leader presented the Quarter 4 Financial Monitoring and Outturn Report 2025/26, which set out the Council's final revenue and capital outturn position for the 2025/26 financial year.

The General Fund revenue outturn reflected an overspend of £579,000, which would be funded from the Council's General Fund balance.

It was explained that, whilst there were significant financial pressures within individual service areas, resulting in service expenditure being £2.715 million over budget, this had been substantially offset by £2.136 million of additional corporate financing. This additional income had principally arisen from Section 31 grant funding and investment income.

In relation to the capital programme, actual expenditure had totalled £8.154 million against a revised programme budget of £31.847 million. As a result, £23.693 million would be carried forward and reviewed as part of the 2026/27 Capital Programme. Members were advised that this highlighted the need to ensure that capital schemes remained deliverable and that a review of the programme was already underway.

The Housing Revenue Account outturn was reported as being broadly in line with the revised budget. At the end of the financial year, the Council held General Fund earmarked reserves of £20.957 million and Housing Revenue Account earmarked reserves of £9.160 million.

During the debate, concerns were raised regarding the underlying service overspend of £2.715 million. In response, the Leader acknowledged that there were financial challenges facing the Council and advised that a review was currently being undertaken. Members were informed that, once this work had been completed and the issues fully assessed, further updates would be provided via Member briefings.

The recommendations were proposed by Councillor Matthew Dormer and seconded by Councillor Gemma Monaco.

RBC Equality Strategy 2026-2028 (Including Engagement Policy)

The Leader presented the Redditch Borough Council Equality Strategy 2026-2028 and accompanying Engagement Policy. The previous strategy had reached the end of its intended period and the new strategy provided an updated framework through to the end of 2028.

It was explained that the strategy was based on the principles of treating people fairly, with dignity and respect, ensuring services were accessible, and understanding the impact of Council decisions on the communities it served.

The four key objectives of the strategy were outlined:

• Delivering fair and accessible services.
• Strengthening inclusive engagement and communication.
• Improving the Council's understanding of its communities.
• Supporting an inclusive and representative workforce.

The importance of the Engagement Policy was also highlighted, as it established a more consistent approach to involving residents in decision-making. This included being clear about what residents could influence, using both digital and face-to-face engagement methods where appropriate, and ensuring that feedback received was used to inform decision-making. Members were advised that this would be particularly relevant as the Council progressed through the Local Government Reorganisation process, helping to ensure that the voices, needs and experiences of Redditch residents continued to be understood throughout the transition. It was noted that no additional resources were required to implement the strategy or policy.

During the debate, Members welcomed the introduction of the strategy and recognised the work that had been undertaken in its development. Reference was made to the demographic information contained within the strategy, which highlighted the diverse nature of the Borough's population and reinforced the importance of maintaining a clear approach to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Members also referred to recent Members’ equalities training that had been delivered and encouraged wider participation in future sessions, noting that the training had helped to improve understanding of the issues addressed within the strategy.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Matthew Dormer and seconded by Councillor Gemma Monaco.

RESOLVED that

1)    The Redditch Borough Council Empty Homes Strategy 2026 – 29, as amended, be adopted.

2)    The minutes of the Executive Committee meetings held on 28^th July and 8^th September 2026 be approved and all recommendations adopted.