The Housing Scrutiny Commission met to review a range of housing-related matters, including rent arrears, environmental budgets, and tenant engagement initiatives. The meeting's agenda included updates on the mutual exchange swap scheme, the Tenant Scrutiny Panel's annual report, and the Housing Revenue Account's environmental budget for the upcoming year.

Rent Arrears Report

The commission was scheduled to consider a report detailing rent arrears within the general housing stock for the financial year April 2025 to March 2026. The report indicated a reduction in total outstanding current tenant rent arrears, standing at £1.571 million, an 8% decrease compared to the previous year. The rent collection rate for the period was reported as 98.96%. The report also highlighted the administration of £946,428.81 in Household Support Fund awards to assist tenants impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, benefiting 1,542 households. A significant focus was placed on the transition to Universal Credit, with 57% of tenants claiming it by March 2026, and 49% of these UC claimants being in rent arrears. The Rent Management Advisors (RMAs) received 982 referrals, with 76% of these households identified as having at least one vulnerability. The report noted that only five evictions were carried out for non-payment of rent during the financial year.

Environmental Budget 2026/2027

A report was presented outlining the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) funding allocated for investment on housing estates across the city in 2026/2027. An estimated £3 million is allocated annually, including £200,000 specifically for the Environmental Budget, distributed across the three housing districts. The report detailed proposals for environmental schemes, developed through consultation with tenants, including members of the Tenant's Scrutiny Panel, local ward councillors, and housing staff. In addition to the Environmental Budget, the Grounds Maintenance budget was £1.1 million, the Estate Warden service received £1.2 million, and £315,000 was allocated to the Neighbourhood Improvement Operatives. A further £200,000 was set aside for a rolling painting programme in communal areas of flatted accommodation. The report listed specific proposals for each district, including targeted estate clearance days, installation of pushchair shelters, landscaping, additional bins, painting of handrails, security lighting, and CCTV installation.

Mutual Exchange Swap Scheme

The commission was scheduled to review the current Mutual Exchange Swap Scheme available to Leicester City Council (LCC) Housing Tenants with a secure tenancy. The report identified potential improvements to the process to ensure tenants are kept updated on their requests, particularly where conditional approval has been granted and repairs are required. Recommendations included a final physical inspection of the property by the incoming tenant, support for publicising the Swaptracker tool to enable self-service, and updating information on the Council's website. The report noted that in 2025/26, 281 mutual exchanges were initiated by LCC tenants, with 158 completed, citing reasons for the lower completion rate such as refusals, parties pulling out, tenancy breaches, and major repairs. The EasyMove scheme, aimed at assisting under-occupying social housing tenants to exchange with overcrowded tenants, was also discussed, having successfully moved 92 households by April 2026.

Tenant Scrutiny Panel Annual Report and Engagement Team Work Programme

The meeting was set to receive the Tenant Scrutiny Panel (TSP) Annual Report for 2025/26 and the Engagement Team's Work Programme for 2025/26. The TSP Annual Report provided an overview of the panel's work and achievements, highlighting key activities and the planned direction of the Housing Engagement Team. The report detailed how tenant feedback had influenced service improvements, including the addition of Vulnerability Indicators to tenancies, reviews of customer service call handling, the expansion of Housing Pop-Ups, and improvements to the allocations and lettings process. The Engagement Team's Work Programme outlined key engagement activities, linking them to Transparency, Influence, and Accountability (TIA) consumer standards. The programme included plans for supporting the TSP, facilitating Housing Pop-Ups, supporting local Tenants and Residents Associations (TARAs), and developing an engagement website.

Introduction to Housing

The Director of Housing was scheduled to provide an introduction to Housing Scrutiny, outlining the division's overall aim to provide decent homes within reach of every citizen. The priorities for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget included providing decent homes, making communities desirable places to live, improving energy efficiency, providing appropriate housing for changing needs, and supporting the local economy. The introduction also touched upon housing development targets, homelessness services, support for tenants, and investment in council housing through the capital programme.

Mr X Verbal Update

A verbal update on Mr X was also scheduled to be provided by the Director of Housing.

Work Programme

The commission was invited to consider the work programme for the upcoming year, with suggestions for additional items to be made as necessary. The work programme for 2026-2027 included topics such as Housing Complaints, Repairs and maintenance updates, the Renters' Rights Act, the Allocation Policy review, and updates on the Housing Regulator.