The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Subcommittee meeting addressed significant concerns regarding the performance of Spitalfields Housing Association (SHA) and reviewed the council's fire safety measures. The subcommittee also discussed improvements to the housing allocations process and the introduction of an intermediate housing register.

Spitalfields Housing Association (SHA) Performance

A major focus of the meeting was the performance of Spitalfields Housing Association (SHA), with numerous residents attending to voice their concerns. Residents reported a severe lack of basic repairs, including issues with leaking roofs, broken toilets, and deteriorating windows and doors, with some stating no maintenance had been carried out for up to three years. Significant safety concerns were raised, particularly regarding blocked fire exits and the storage of flammable materials in residential blocks. Residents also described a lack of engagement from SHA, with difficulties in contacting the organisation and a perceived refusal to address their issues. Councillor Andrew Wood highlighted discrepancies between SHA's reported performance data, which showed 100% compliance in areas like complaint response times and resident satisfaction with anti-social behaviour handling, and the lived experiences of residents. Councillor Marc Francis echoed these concerns, noting that while SHA's reported data suggested high performance, his own casework revealed a consistent failure to carry out basic repairs unless formally prompted. The subcommittee agreed to formally request the council to outline its actions to resolve these issues and to explore a referral to the social housing regulator. SHA has been requested to send a representative to the October meeting to address these concerns directly.

Fire Safety Scrutiny Review

The subcommittee reviewed a scrutiny report on fire safety, which examined 17 areas of concern. The report includes 16 proposals for the Cabinet, focusing on improving resident information and safety measures. Key discussions included the promotion of commonhold, the potential for commissioning an independent report following the New Providence Wharf fire, and the critical need for better resident education on fire safety procedures. Councillor Andrew Wood and Councillor Marc Francis both emphasized the confusion among residents regarding evacuation procedures and the importance of understanding building safety features like sprinklers. The subcommittee agreed to recommend that the council consider commissioning independent research into fire safety lessons learned, in addition to the London Fire Brigade's findings. The report also highlighted the need for improved collaboration and accountability between landlords and residents, with a proposal for a Landlord and Resident Forum to address these issues.

Housing Allocations Audit Report and Intermediate Housing Register

The subcommittee received an update on the findings of a housing allocations audit report, which identified areas of good practice but also highlighted risks related to fraudulent applications, inadequate income and background checks, and a lack of regular reviews of the housing register. Actions have been taken to mitigate these risks, including the introduction of checklists for officers, enhanced income verification, and plans for IT system updates to enable automated reviews. Councillor Andrew Wood expressed concern that the current five-year review period for non-bidding applicants might be too long, suggesting a shorter timeframe to ensure a more accurate reflection of those in genuine housing need. Councillor Marc Francis, however, felt that the current approach was acceptable, noting that low bidding activity often indicated a realistic understanding of low chances of rehousing. Karen Swift, Divisional Director for Housing and Regeneration, proposed a one-off exercise to contact all applicants on the register to confirm their details and reactivate their claims, which would help establish a more accurate figure for housing need and inform future housing development.

The subcommittee also discussed the upcoming launch of the Intermediate Housing Register of Interest. This register aims to help households who cannot afford social housing rents access shared ownership and intermediate rent products. The register will provide Tower Hamlets residents with a three-month exclusive marketing period before properties are made available London-wide. Key features include income thresholds for eligibility and a priority matrix for allocation, with existing social housing tenants being the highest priority. Councillor Amina Ali raised concerns about the affordability of these schemes for Band 3 residents, questioning the percentage of current residents who would be able to access them. Councillor Andrew Wood also sought clarification on the policy regarding armed forces personnel, noting a discrepancy between the council's proposed two-year service requirement and the government's five-year regulation. Rupert Brandon, Head of Housing Supply, confirmed that the council would check the armed forces policy and reiterated that the register aims to improve access to existing schemes, with financial checks by housing associations being a standard part of the process.

Tenancy Conditions Review

Anne Ambrosia, a tenant co-optee, raised concerns about a recent letter sent to Tower Hamlets Homes tenants regarding changes to their tenancy conditions. She noted that while some changes were positive, many residents feared the alterations were a backdoor method of eviction or rent increases. Karen Swift explained that the tenancy agreement had not been updated for 20 years and that the proposed changes were primarily to modernise it and align it with other social landlords' agreements, addressing issues such as fire safety, clutter, and pet ownership. She confirmed that consultation events and webinars were being held to address residents' concerns and clarify any misunderstandings, particularly regarding succession rights.