The Housing Committee of Stroud Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss a range of housing-related matters. Key topics included the potential use of compulsory purchase powers for a new homes scheme in Dursley, an update on the housing capital budget, and the adoption of a revised Damp and Mould Policy. The committee was also scheduled to consider appointments for tenant representatives and discuss strategies for improving energy efficiency in council homes.

Appointment of Tenant Representatives to the Housing Committee

The committee was scheduled to consider nominations for Tenant Representatives to the Housing Committee. This followed a recommendation from a previous meeting that authority be delegated to the Housing Committee to appoint these co-opted members. The process for selecting these representatives involved nominations from the Tenant Oversight Panel, with Mike Richter and Ian Allen proposed as Tenant Representatives.

Authorisation to Use Compulsory Purchase Powers for New Homes Scheme at May Lane/Prospect Place, Dursley

A significant item on the agenda was the consideration of using compulsory purchase powers to acquire land for a new homes scheme at May Lane/Prospect Place in Dursley. The report detailed plans to deliver up to 17 new affordable houses. This would involve widening an existing service road, altering residential parking, and making changes to rear HGV delivery parking for an adjacent retail unit. The report outlined the case for compulsory purchase, citing the need to assemble the site and acquire necessary land and rights from third parties to facilitate the development.

Acquisition of Housing Capital Budget

The committee was to receive an update on housing acquisitions agreed to date and consider a proposal for a further increase to the housing capital budget. The report indicated that the council had successfully acquired several Section 106 homes and additionality homes, supported by grant funding. A request for an additional £10 million was proposed to enable the council to build on its acquisitions programme and maximise opportunities.

Play Strategy Task and Finish Group Member Representation

The Community Services and Licensing Committee had requested that the Housing Committee appoint two members to join a Task and Finish group. This group was to review consultation and engagement findings to shape the objectives for a new Play Strategy.

Request for Housing Committee Members for Health Inequalities Strategy Task and Finish Group

Similarly, the committee was asked to appoint two members to a Task and Finish group for the Health Inequalities Strategy. This group would review emerging themes and objectives for the proposed strategy before it was presented to the Community Services and Licensing Committee.

Damp and Mould Policy July 2026

A key item for decision was the approval of a revised Damp and Mould Policy. The report explained that the policy, originally approved in 2023, had been reviewed to ensure it remained current, reflected best practice, and aligned with legislative changes introduced by Awaab's Law, which came into effect in October 2025. The committee was also asked to delegate authority for minor changes to the policy to the Strategic Head of Housing.

Landlord Services Complaints Annual Self-Assessment

The committee was to be provided with an update on the Housing Ombudsman's Complaint Handling Code and the Council's annual self-assessment against its requirements. The report aimed to demonstrate compliance, identify good practice, and highlight opportunities for continuous improvement in complaint handling and service delivery. The committee was asked to scrutinise the report and approve its submission to the Housing Ombudsman.

Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 Additional Solar Supplementary Funding

An opportunity for additional grant funding through the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3 project was to be considered. This funding would allow for an increase in the number of homes retrofitted to improve energy efficiency and achieve an EPC C rating. The report sought support for the bid and requested commitment of additional funds for matched funding.

Budget Monitoring Report 2026/27 Quarter 1

The committee was presented with the forecast outturn position against the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budgets and Capital Programme for the first quarter of the financial year. The report aimed to highlight any significant variances and inform members of potential actions.

Member / Officer Reports

A section was allocated for Member/Officer reports, including updates from Tenant Representatives, Performance Monitoring (Q4), Housing Oversight Board (Q1), a Decent Homes Position Statement, and Regulatory Consumer Standards Compliance.

Work Programme

Finally, the committee was scheduled to consider its work programme for the upcoming period.