The Resources and Governance Scrutiny Committee of Manchester City Council met on Thursday, 10 September 2026, to discuss the Anti-Poverty Budget Update and the insourcing of housing repairs and maintenance services. The committee noted the significant financial support provided to vulnerable residents and recommended that the Council advocate for a pilot scheme on rent caps. They also endorsed a proposal to bring the majority of housing repairs and maintenance services in-house, recommending the new service be named 'Manchester City Works'.

Anti-Poverty Budget Update

The committee reviewed a report detailing the Council's extensive anti-poverty measures, which include core schemes like the Council Tax Support Scheme and the Vulnerable Renters Fund, as well as additional funding provided to address the cost-of-living crisis. Longer-term initiatives under the 'Making Manchester Fairer' strategy were also discussed. Councillors welcomed the breadth of support available but raised concerns about potential confusion for residents due to the number of different schemes. They also highlighted the crucial role of the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCSFE) sector in reaching vulnerable residents and sought clarity on the sustainability of funding for this sector.

The Director of Inclusive Economy, Angela Harrington, acknowledged the complexity of the funding landscape and highlighted the dedicated Cost of Living advice line as a single point of contact for residents. She also noted that the Manchester Community and Voluntary Fund and the Crisis and Resilience Fund are multi-year initiatives. Councillor Tracey Rawlins, Deputy Leader, emphasised that the support offered is framed within the 'Making Manchester Fairer' strategy and recognised the vital contribution of the VCSFE sector.

The committee made two recommendations:

• That the Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration write to the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the relevant Secretary of State to seek support for a pilot scheme on rent caps and controls in Manchester's private rented sector.
• That the Director of Inclusive Economy make Cost of Living cards available to all Councillors for distribution to residents.

Housing Repairs Insourcing and Recommissioning (Part A)

The committee considered proposals to insource the principal operational elements of the council housing repairs and maintenance service and recommission specialist managed services from 1 April 2027. This move comes as the current contract with Equans expires on 31 March 2027. The proposed model involves establishing an 'Internal Property Service' for direct delivery of core repairs, alongside recommissioning specialist functions.

Key points discussed included the significant increase in responsive repair jobs in recent years and the identification of opportunities to improve productivity and value for money for tenants. Minimising void properties was also highlighted as a priority. Councillor Gavin White, Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration, stated that bringing the service in-house would improve service delivery for residents, and Councillor Andrew Simcock, Executive Member for Finance and Resources, confirmed there would be no compulsory redundancies. Councillor Basil Curley, Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee, expressed strong support for the proposal, linking it to the importance of safe, affordable housing for health outcomes and the 'Making Manchester Fairer' programme.

The committee noted the report and, in considering the confidential Part B report, endorsed the proposal to establish an Internal Property Service and recommission specialist services. They also endorsed the associated mobilisation programme and continued discussions with Equans regarding contingency arrangements. Furthermore, the committee recommended that the Executive consider naming the new service 'Manchester City Works', and that the Council's policies on no compulsory redundancies and staff training and development be taken into account.

Overview Report

The committee received and noted the Overview Report, which included updates on key decisions within the committee's remit, responses to previous recommendations, and the committee's work programme. They agreed to the proposed work programme.