The Housing Scrutiny Commission was scheduled to discuss progress on major works projects, the council's Good Landlord Plan, and issues related to empty homes. The meeting also included an interview with the Cabinet Member for Council Homes and a review of the commission's work programme.

Interview with the Cabinet Member for Council Homes

The commission was scheduled to hear from the Cabinet Member for Council Homes, Councillor Portia Mwangangye, supported by officers, on a range of housing-related matters. This included discussions on supporting social landlord performance and communications, progress on implementing recommendations from reviews of the Canada Estate, Fair Street/Devon Mansions, and Kirby Estate QHIP Major Works Projects, and the implementation of The Good Landlord Plan. An update on empty homes, voids, and related issues was also planned.

Empty Homes, Voids, and Related Issues

A report was scheduled to be presented detailing the Southwark Empty Homes Action Plan 2026 Update. This report aimed to provide an update on empty properties in Southwark, noting changes in the number of empty homes and presenting comparative data for London and other London boroughs. The report also included the Southwark Empty Homes Action Plan, which outlines the council's zero-tolerance approach to long-term empty homes and plans to bring them back into use. The report highlighted that while Southwark has seen a modest rise in empty homes compared to some other London boroughs, it has experienced a fall in long-term vacant properties between 2023 and 2025. The action plan details strategies for tackling private sector empty homes, including the use of council tax premiums, enforcement powers, and working with residents and property owners. It also outlines plans for reducing the number of empty council homes, with a focus on speeding up re-letting times and reducing voids due to regeneration schemes.

Progress on Major Works Projects

The commission was scheduled to consider progress on implementing recommendations from reviews of the Canada Estate, Fair Street/Devon Mansions, and Kirby Estate QHIP Major Works Projects. A report indicated that 27 out of 36 recommendations from a Task and Finishing Team's review had been completed, with progress being made on the remaining ones. Specific updates were planned for the Canada Estate, including resident consultation on remedial works and surveys, and for Fair Street/Devon Mansions, focusing on the analysis of contract information and the formation of a Residents Panel. The Kirby Estate project was reported as complete, with ongoing remedial works covered by warranties. The report also detailed management responses to specific recommendations, including improvements to procurement processes, contract management, resident communication, and skills development within the council's project teams.

The Good Landlord Plan Progress Update

A report was scheduled to provide an update on Southwark's Good Landlord Plan (GLP), which aims to address shortcomings in housing services and ensure compliance with new regulations following a C3 regulatory judgement from the Regulator of Social Housing. The plan focuses on six themes: Better Homes, Better Estates, Better Repairs, Better Customer Service, A Stronger Voice for Tenants, and New Council Homes. Progress updates were expected on the stock condition survey, fire safety compliance, estate refurbishment programmes, boiler replacements, and the implementation of digital systems for repairs and compliance monitoring. The report also detailed efforts to improve estate management, tackle anti-social behaviour, enhance customer service, and strengthen resident engagement through new boards and forums. Progress on building new council homes was also to be discussed.

Housing Scrutiny Commission Work Programme 2025-2026

The commission was scheduled to note its work programme for the 2025-2026 municipal year. This programme outlines the housing service areas within the commission's scope, including Housing Needs and Support, Landlord Services, Southwark Construction, and Repairs and Maintenance. It also details the Cabinet portfolio elements relevant to the commission, such as Council Homes, New Homes and Sustainable Development, and Supported Housing. The work programme listed specific items scheduled for consideration throughout the year, including reviews of social landlord performance, the Good Landlord Plan, and various major works projects.

Cabinet Responses to the Housing Scrutiny Commission's Outcome of the Review of the Canada Estate 2017/18, Fair Street / Devon Mansions 2018/19 And Kirby Estate 2028/19 QHIP Major Works Projects Report

The commission was scheduled to note Cabinet's responses to the Housing Scrutiny Commission's report on the QHIP major works projects. This indicated that Cabinet had considered and accepted the recommendations made by the commission, including those related to improving communication with residents, ensuring residents only pay for completed works, and enhancing contract awarding decisions based on contractor performance. Cabinet also agreed to establish a Ward Councillor forum and quarterly Residents' Panel Meetings. An investigation into potential fraud related to these projects was also to be commissioned.