The Housing Assurance Board is scheduled to meet on Monday 14 September 2026 to discuss a range of housing-related matters. Key topics include updates on the Housing Improvement Programme, strategies for increasing housing supply, and the best use of existing housing stock. The Board will also receive deep dives into voids management and the private rented sector licensing scheme.

Housing Improvement Programme and Homelessness

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on the Housing Improvement Programme, which aims to address areas requiring improvement within Housing Needs and deliver substantial savings. This includes a detailed update on the Homelessness and Housing Needs situation, outlining national trends and Croydon's specific challenges. The report highlights the record levels of temporary accommodation across England, with financial pressures on boroughs. It also details Croydon's efforts to prevent homelessness earlier, increase housing supply, and transform its temporary accommodation portfolio, as outlined in the forthcoming Temporary Accommodation Strategy 2026 to 2030. The strategy aims to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation by approximately 23% by 2030.

The Board will also receive an update on the Housing Assurance Board Action Log and Progress Update, focusing on actions arising from previous homelessness meetings. This includes discussions on stalled development sites, external funding opportunities, and the financial modelling of temporary accommodation.

Housing Supply and Stock Management

The meeting will feature a presentation on Housing Supply - Overview and Strategic Options. This will cover the need for additional housing in Croydon, with a focus on increasing both market and social/affordable supply. Options to be discussed include building new homes on Council land, enabling development by Registered Providers (RPs), and acquiring existing properties. The presentation will also touch upon the Best Use of Existing Stock, examining how Croydon can maximise its current property portfolio through extensions, conversions, and other initiatives to meet resident needs.

A Voids Deep Dive will provide an update on the process of re-letting vacant properties. The report details improvements made in Phase One of the voids action plan, including reduced turnaround times and a decrease in long-term and out-of-management voids. Phase Two improvements are also scheduled, focusing on a dedicated Voids and Lettings Team and enhanced reporting.

Private Rented Sector and Other Updates

The Board is scheduled to receive a presentation on the Private Rented Sector Licensing Scheme. This will cover the introduction of Additional and Selective Licensing schemes from 25th September 2026, aimed at improving housing conditions and management standards within the private rented sector. The presentation will also address enforcement powers and the implications of the Renters Rights Act, which introduces new breaches and offences for landlords.

An update from the Chair and the Corporate Director of Housing is also on the agenda, providing an overview of current housing matters. Finally, the Board will review its Forward Plan, outlining future topics for discussion.