The Scrutiny Commission met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to discuss a range of housing and community-related policies and programmes. Key decisions included endorsing a new Temporary Accommodation Policy, approving the use of capital funds for acquiring one-bedroom properties to house single homeless individuals, and supporting the development of a Community Asset Transfer Policy. The commission also reviewed updates on Awaab's Law, tenant engagement, and a digital poverty review.

Environmental Improvement Programme 2026/27

The commission noted the enhancement schemes to be implemented under the Environmental Improvement Programme for 2026/27. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Pendlebury seconded, a motion to endorse the schemes, which was carried. It was suggested that the achievements of the programme since its inception should be celebrated to raise the profile of heritage, and this point was agreed to be taken back to the Heritage Forum.

Updated Landlord Services Voids Policy

The commission received the updated Voids Policy, which aims to ensure that empty properties are returned to use quickly while meeting all safety and quality standards. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Pendlebury seconded, a motion to endorse the policy and recommend its approval to the Executive, with delegated authority for minor amendments to the Director of Place and the Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety. This motion was carried.

Temporary Accommodation Policy

Members reviewed the Temporary Accommodation Policy, noting that it consolidated existing practices into a single document. In response to questions, it was confirmed that while the council strives to avoid placing individuals outside the borough, it is sometimes unavoidable. The ongoing challenge of homelessness was acknowledged, and it was noted that work is being undertaken both locally and nationally to address these pressures. Members requested that the policy be shared with all councillors once approved. Councillor Pendlebury moved, and Councillor Webber-Jones seconded, a motion to endorse the policy and note the implementation steps, which was carried.

General Fund Temporary Accommodation Programme - Phase 3

The commission was presented with Phase 3 of the General Fund Temporary Accommodation Programme, which focuses on providing accommodation for single individuals, contrasting with the previous phase that procured family housing. It was highlighted that the council would partner with Falcon Support Services to repurpose John Nichols Street Hostel as supported accommodation. Members acknowledged the necessity of supported accommodation and commended the work of Falcon Support Services. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Pendlebury seconded, a motion to approve the use of up to £2.5 million from the capital programme for acquiring one-bedroom properties, recommend to the Council the approval of a revenue expenditure budget of £384,250, recommend to the Executive the approval of a partnership with Falcon Support Services, and endorse the delegation of authority to the Director of Place Services. This motion was carried.

Awaab's Law Phase 1 and 2 Updates (Damp & Mould and Hazards)

Members were updated on the progress since the implementation of Awaab's Law in October 2025, specifically regarding damp and mould, and were informed about Phase 2, which expands statutory requirements from October 2026. It was confirmed that the council has met and will continue to meet statutory compliance timescales for its council housing. In response to questions, it was noted that housing repairs officers work closely with the tenancy management team to conduct regular property checks, and action is taken when access for essential works is denied. It was also revealed that some tenants had waited over six months to report damp and mould, leading to increased efforts to highlight the importance of prompt reporting. The increase in damp and mould cases was attributed not only to Awaab's Law but also to the council's awareness-raising activities. Members welcomed the report and acknowledged the team's work, agreeing that a demonstration of the created dashboard would be arranged for them. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Pendlebury seconded, a motion to note the sustained statutory compliance under Phase 1, the expanded scope of Phase 2, and the increased pressure Phase 2 places on the Housing Repairs and Tenancy Management teams. This motion was carried.

Tenant Engagement Overview 2025/26

The commission received an overview of tenant engagement activities during 2025/26, noting an improvement in tenant satisfaction. It was reported that methods of engagement are regularly reviewed to determine their effectiveness, and the council is performing well nationally in tenant satisfaction. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Surtees seconded, a motion to note the tenant engagement activity, acknowledge improvements made in response to feedback, particularly in repairs services, and support the continued embedding of tenant engagement across all housing services. This motion was carried.

Tenant Voice Strategy 2026 - 2029

The Tenant Voice Strategy for 2026-2029 was considered. Discussion focused on understanding why tenants might not engage, with findings indicating that door-knocking and local drop-in sessions were the most effective methods. The importance of removing barriers for all groups was highlighted, and the equality impact assessment was welcomed. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Pendlebury seconded, a motion to endorse the Tenant Voice Strategy, note its strengthened alignment with the Transparency, Influence and Accountability (TIA) Standard, support the development of the annual Tenant Voice Delivery Plan, and endorse the expectation that all social housing services contribute to and record evidence of tenant engagement activity. This motion was carried.

Community Asset Transfer

The council's position on discretionary community asset transfer was outlined, along with a draft policy. It was noted that a process for asset transfers already exists and that several parish councils have initiated contact regarding such transfers, but the policy itself would be new. In response to a question about the policy's alignment with the new Hinckley Town Council, it was clarified that asset transfers are a standard part of establishing a parish council and would proceed accordingly. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Pendlebury seconded, a motion to note the legal and strategic position, support the adoption of the Community Asset Transfer policy, endorse the consideration of Housing Revenue Account assets only in exceptional circumstances, recommend that future proposals include clear decision criteria, appropriate governance, and pilot arrangements, and support the development of business case guidance for parishes and community organisations. This motion was carried.

Scrutiny Review: Digital Poverty

Feedback from service areas regarding digital poverty and access to council services was presented. Members were reassured that the council maintains a 'digital by choice' approach, ensuring that paper copies, face-to-face appointments, and cash payment options remain available. The ongoing refresh of the ICT Digital Strategy and exploration of ICT equipment recycling were noted. Concerns were raised about potential remoteness of services following local government reorganisation, with emphasis placed on highlighting the council's good practices and the continued need for local access points. Suggestions were made to add voter registration, postal vote applications, moving house, and council tax to the list of services requiring accessible options. The commission agreed to strengthen recommendation 2.2 to require a policy for recycling council ICT equipment if viable. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Surtees seconded, a motion to note the feedback on service access, introduce a policy for recycling ICT equipment if viable, and endorse the use of the Digital Exclusion Network to support residents. This motion was carried.

Minutes of Finance & Performance Scrutiny

The minutes of the Finance & Performance Scrutiny meeting held on 11 May were received.