The Communities and Equalities Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 9 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues affecting Manchester residents. The meeting's agenda includes updates on advice services, housing services, homelessness commissioning, and the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

Housing Services Update

A significant focus of the meeting will be an update on Housing Services' response to a C2 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), published in January 2026. This grading indicated areas for improvement in the delivery of consumer standards. The report details actions taken since March 2026 to address these issues, strengthen compliance, and work towards achieving a C1 grading in the future. Key areas of focus include complaint handling, repairs performance, building safety, stock condition, community safety, and tenancy policies. The report highlights improvements in complaint response times and resident satisfaction with repairs, alongside ongoing work to address overdue repairs and fire safety actions.

Renters' Rights Act Implementation

The committee will also receive an overview of the first four months of the Renters' Rights Act 2025's implementation in Manchester. This legislation, which came into effect on 1 May 2026, introduces significant reforms to the private rented sector, aiming to enhance tenant security, improve housing standards, and provide greater protection against unfair practices. The report will cover emerging trends, service impacts, enforcement activities, and resourcing requirements. It notes that the Act is expected to professionalise the sector and may lead to a shift in the market, with some smaller landlords exiting. The report also addresses the impact on affordability within the private rented sector, highlighting the ongoing challenge of housing costs and the Council's strategies to improve affordability. Early indications suggest an increase in enquiries related to tenancy termination, rent increases, and potential discrimination, with a dedicated Early Resolution Team established to provide advice and support.

Advice Services Update

An update on the Manchester advice sector will be provided, covering the City-Wide Advice Service (CWAS) contract, Early and Extra Help and Support (EEHS) services, and other non-commissioned services. The report details the impact of these services in addressing poverty, inequality, and homelessness, and how they support the Council's Our Manchester Strategy. It highlights the significant financial outcomes achieved for residents through advice services, with millions of pounds secured in benefits and debt resolution. The report also outlines the reach of these services, particularly in priority wards, and the types of advice issues most prevalent among residents.

Homelessness Commissioning Update: Grant Funded Contracts

The committee will receive an update on homelessness commissioning activities, focusing on the utilisation of grant funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to prevent and reduce rough sleeping. This update covers four key work strands: A Bed Every Night (ABEN), Community Accommodation Service Tier 3 (CAS3), Targeted Supported Housing Support Services (TSHSS), and plans for a new national rough sleeping programme. The report details the funding allocations for these initiatives, which aim to provide accommodation and support for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, with a particular focus on those with complex needs and those leaving prison. The planned procurement approaches for these services are also outlined, with the aim of ensuring compliant, value-for-money, and high-quality support provision.

Overview Report

Finally, an overview report will be presented, which includes a monitor of previous recommendations, details of key decisions relevant to the committee's remit, and the committee's work programme. This report will also provide an update on the development of a brownfield land remediation strategy, a recommendation previously made by the committee.