The Communities and Equalities Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 9 September 2026 to discuss updates on housing services, homelessness commissioning, and the implementation of the Renters' Rights Act 2025. The committee endorsed proposals to bring the majority of the repairs service in-house and agreed to receive a further update on the Renters' Rights Act in twelve months.

Housing Services Update

The committee received an update on the actions taken by Housing Services following a C2 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) in January 2026. Councillor Joanne Green, Chair of the Communities and Equalities Scrutiny Committee, noted that the C2 grading was positive in the Manchester context and that the exercise had informed an action plan for improvement. The committee fully endorsed the proposal to insource the principal part of the repairs service, including responsive repairs, voids, heating, and electrical work, to Housing Services, and to recommission specialist functions such as fire safety actions. Councillor Rawson declared a personal interest as a Board Member of Southway Housing Trust.

Councillor White, Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, acknowledged that issues identified in relation to repairs were understood, noting the age of a significant proportion of the city's housing stock. He stated that bringing the repairs service in-house would provide greater control over these properties and should reduce the number of complaints, as the majority of complaints related to repairs. Rob McCartney, Director for Homelessness and Housing Policy, confirmed that the existing Equans workforce would be subject to TUPE arrangements and become Manchester City Council staff, with the intention of them becoming multi-skilled operatives. He added that the proposed repair improvement targets over the next five years were considered cautious and achievable, and that works relating to damp and mould would be prioritised.

The committee also discussed the 'A Place Called Home Delivery Plan (2026-2029)' and the emerging Resident Engagement Strategy, which places a stronger emphasis on outcomes and accountability. Progress in strengthening complaint handling arrangements was noted, with a new operating model introduced in March 2026, including additional dedicated resources. The number of void properties had reduced, and this position was monitored weekly by an officer-led panel. Councillor Green expressed reassurance regarding the commitment to improving standards and endorsed the proposals for the repairs service.

Homelessness Commissioning Update: Grant Funded Contracts

The committee considered a report providing an overview of homelessness commissioning activities funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) / Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), aimed at preventing and reducing rough sleeping. The report detailed plans for 'A Bed Every Night' (ABEN), 'Community Accommodation Service Tier 3' (CAS3), 'Targeted Supported Housing Support Services' (TSHSS), and the new national rough sleeping programme.

Key points from the discussion included:

• The report was noted as technical, with a more detailed report on homelessness scheduled for January 2027.
• The committee noted the need for a minimum of 25 female-only spaces within the ABEN provision, an increase from the current 14, and sought assurance on the additional support to be offered to these individuals.
• Manchester's status as a destination city for those experiencing homelessness was acknowledged.
• The challenge of the new national rough sleeping programme, aiming to house everyone by Christmas 2026, was recognised.
• The importance of engaging with local communities and elected members when identifying locations for supported homeless accommodation was stressed.

Councillor Rawlins, Deputy Leader, acknowledged Manchester's role as a major UK city and its responsibility to provide temporary accommodation. He welcomed the coordinated approach to tackling homelessness across Greater Manchester and noted that work was underway to understand future funding. He confirmed that the new rough sleeping programme would target entrenched rough sleepers, including those with addiction and mental health issues, and that further information would be provided in January 2027. He also highlighted the importance of preventative work, such as the 'Safe at Home Scheme', and assured the committee that engagement with local communities and elected members would be undertaken. Nicola Rea, Strategic Lead (Homelessness and Migration), added that Equality Impact Assessments were conducted for all interventions and that specialist services were commissioned to support women within the ABEN provision. Councillor Green requested that citizens with lived experience be invited to the January meeting to discuss the Homelessness Service Update.

The committee endorsed the report to the Executive.

Renters' Rights Act Implementation

The committee reviewed a report on the first four months of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA) implementation in Manchester. Key discussion points included:

• Evidence of private landlords leaving the sector in response to the legislation.
• Action to be taken against landlords failing to register on the national PRS landlord database.
• The percentage of students opting for Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) over private rentals.
• Welcome for the abolition of Section 21 (no fault) evictions.
• Welcome for tenants' ability to challenge rent increases.

Councillor White stated that new burdens funding from central government, in addition to local budget decisions, supported the implementation of the legislation. He confirmed that landlord registration on the national PRS landlord database was mandatory and reiterated the importance of regulating and monitoring the sector, noting the contribution of landlord licensing. Sam Stabler, Head of Compliance, Enforcement and Community Safety, stated that resources and capacity were under constant review and that the service offered advice and signposting to tenants and landlords, with information available online and in multiple languages. Emma Broadbent, Compliance & Enforcement Specialist, added that inspections would be undertaken following service requests and proactively.

Sarah Broad, Strategic Lead (Housing Policy & Strategy), indicated that some smaller, amateur landlords had left the sector, selling to larger portfolio landlords, but that a significant supply of private rented properties remained. She noted an increase in students choosing PBSA and that a briefing note on this would be provided. Rob McCartney, Director for Homelessness and Housing Policy, explained the process for rent increases under Section 13 notices, including the requirement for annual increases, two months' notice, and the ability for tenants to challenge increases above market rates at a Tribunal. He added that the record number of new houses built in Manchester was expected to impact affordability across different housing sectors. Councillor Green welcomed the end of Section 21 notices, highlighting Manchester's history of tackling rogue landlords and improving private rented sector standards, and recommended an update report in twelve months' time.

The committee agreed to receive an update report in twelve months' time.

Overview Report

The committee received the report of the Governance and Scrutiny Support Unit, which included a monitor of previous recommendations, details of key decisions within the committee's remit, and the committee's work programme. The committee noted the report and agreed the work programme, acknowledging the deferral of the 'Advice Services Update' item to the next meeting. Councillor Good declared a personal interest as he was employed by one of the organisations operating within the Citywide Advice Contract. Councillor Rawson declared a personal interest as he is a Board Member of Southway Housing Trust.

The meeting was chaired by Councillor Joanne Green.