The meeting considered the council's new Housing Asset Management Strategy, and heard from leaseholders on the Putney Vale estate about fire safety improvements to their homes. There were no decisions made by the committee.

Housing Asset Management Strategy 2024-2029

Councillors voted to note the new Housing Asset Management Strategy 2024-2029. The strategy sets out how the council will manage its housing stock over the next five years and contains details of the council's plans to ensure its homes are safe, high quality, and well managed. It covers all aspects of the council's housing management responsibilities, including repairs and maintenance, energy efficiency, fire safety, and resident engagement.

Fire Safety at Putney Vale Estate

The forum heard from leaseholders of properties on the Putney Vale estate about their experiences since the Grenfell Tower fire. Residents explained that they were concerned about the lack of progress the council had made in addressing fire safety defects on their estate.

It's now seven years since Grenfell and we're still waiting for the council to make our homes safe

Leaseholders argued that the council had failed to keep them informed about the progress of fire safety works, and that the council's approach to resident engagement had been inadequate.

Responding to residents, a council officer explained that:

I understand and recognise that there is a strong desire to be kept informed

The officer went on to explain the progress that had been made on fire safety works at Putney Vale, and the steps the council was taking to improve communication with residents.