The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Thursday, 1 October 2026, to discuss a range of housing-related issues. Key agenda items included the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan Update, the Ten Year Plus One Leasing Model for temporary accommodation, and the Outcomes of the Spending Review relevant to housing. The committee also considered proposals for a new Resident Engagement Participation Strategy and noted the committee's work programme.

Questions to the Cabinet Member

During the Questions to the Cabinet Member session, Councillor Aydin Dikerdem raised concerns about the scrapping of plans for 253 council homes and asked about the plans to replace them. Councillor Corner, the Cabinet Member for Housing, stated that the administration was committed to building the homes Wandsworth needs, utilising various funding streams and partnerships with developers. He acknowledged that cancelling the Ashburton and Lennox estates schemes meant fewer homes were being built overall but emphasised the administration's commitment to listening to residents.

Councillor Shakeel Ahmad inquired about plans for temporary accommodation, to which Councillor Corner responded that the council housed over 4,000 households in temporary accommodation, costing nearly £40 million annually. He highlighted the administration's commitment to addressing this challenge through measures such as utilising the private rented sector.

Councillor Sarah Davies raised concerns about the poor conditions in some private rented sector flats, including damp and faulty electrics. Councillor Corner assured that the council would clamp down on rogue landlords and was reviewing the landlord licensing scheme to ensure its effectiveness. A debate ensued between Councillor Davies and Councillor Dikerdem regarding the previous administration's progress on implementing a borough-wide landlord licensing scheme.

Councillor Noel Dube questioned the sustainability of borrowing levels, given projected increases in debt costs. Councillor Corner acknowledged this as a critical point and stated that the administration aimed to ensure borrowing on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was manageable and set at a rate that allowed for investment in housing stock.

Councillor Matthew Tiller raised concerns about the review of the Orson estate renewal plan, fearing it could jeopardise £60 million in funding from the Mayor of London. Councillor Corner clarified that the current plan was costly and required significant grant funding, and that the administration was taking time to ensure the regeneration was deliverable and fully costed, while proceeding with the Block A scheme.

Councillor Mrs. Angela Graham asked if schemes cut due to financial constraints would be reviewed in the future. Councillor Corner confirmed that the Thousand Homes programme pipeline would be kept under review, acknowledging the challenging housing market.

Councillor Dikerdem reiterated his question about the plan for the 253 homes that were cut, arguing that councils should use their own land during tough housing market times. Councillor Corner responded by highlighting the previous administration's approach to developers and the need to work with them to deliver homes.

Borough Residents' Forum Report

Councillor Chris Barron, Chair of the committee, noted that the Borough Residents' Forum (BRF) meeting held the previous evening had been positive. Mr. Thomas Glockner, Vice Chair of the BRF, reported that discussions had been lively, with residents expressing concerns about proposed changes to engagement structures, including the potential removal of area panels and the shift from formal resident associations to informal activities. He emphasised the value residents placed on resident associations as an engagement vehicle. The committee was asked to note the report for information.

Housing Revenue Account Business Plan Update

Fenella Merry, Executive Director of Finance, presented an update on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan. The report indicated that the HRA remained viable despite significant pressures from building safety, damp and mould, inflation, and repairs costs. The revised capital programme totals £663 million over the next five years, with a significant reliance on borrowing. The report also proposed revising the council's rent policy to allow for rent convergence from 2027, which could generate additional income to support investment in existing stock. The committee considered this report for scrutiny.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about planned savings, stock condition surveys, the impact of rent convergence on tenants not on housing benefit, and comparisons of Wandsworth's HRA reserves with other local authorities. Concerns were also raised about the equality impact of rent convergence, particularly for older tenants and those with disabilities. Councillor Dikerdem questioned the administration's borrowing strategy, while Councillor Davies sought clarification on the impact of overcrowding on families. Mr. Glockner inquired about the publication of stock condition reports.

Ten Year Plus One Leasing Model

Altin Smiley, Director of Housing Policy, introduced a report on a proposed Ten Year Plus One leasing model for temporary accommodation. This strategy aims to procure temporary accommodation through minimum 10-year leases with private providers to reduce reliance on expensive nightly-paid accommodation, improve quality, and increase financial sustainability. The committee considered this report for scrutiny.

Councillors raised questions about the council's role in managing these properties, the potential financial impact if the DWP closed a perceived loophole, and the liability for maintenance and repairs. Concerns were also expressed about the supply of suitable housing within Wandsworth and the potential for placements outside Greater London. Councillor Davies highlighted the importance of considering the impact on families, particularly regarding children's education and well-being, and the need for a trauma-informed approach. Councillor Dube asked about savings targets for this model, and Councillor Graham inquired about ensuring properties meet housing regulator standards. Councillor Dikerdem pressed the administration on its commitment to a consent policy for placements outside Greater London.

Outcomes of the Spending Review - Housing OSC

Fenella Merry, Executive Director of Finance, presented an extract of the Spending Review relevant to the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The extract outlined intentions to review major regeneration programmes, improve housing services, support home ownership, reduce homelessness costs, and prioritise housing investment while reducing borrowing. The committee considered this report for scrutiny.

Councillor Dikerdem questioned a statement about new homes for social rent being prioritised for Wandsworth residents and ending the practice of using them for temporary accommodation, stating this had never happened. Councillor Corner defended the spending review, attributing budget pressures to a withdrawal of government funding. A debate ensued regarding the previous administration's approach to the delivery unit and contractual arrangements for repairs. Councillor Graham raised concerns about the impact of the spending review on deprived areas like Roehampton. Councillor Dube asked about the timeline for returning to a higher regulatory rating for housing services. Councillor Graham also inquired about support for leaseholders facing major works charges.

Proposals for a new Resident Engagement Participation Strategy

Kay Willman, Interim Executive Director of Housing, presented proposals for a new resident engagement and participation strategy, emphasising that it was a discussion paper intended to inform consultation. The strategy aims to broaden participation, ensure dedicated tenant and leaseholder voices, involve residents earlier in decision-making, and provide more ways to participate. The committee considered this report for scrutiny.

Mr. Glockner expressed concerns about the proposed removal of area panels and the downgrading of resident associations, highlighting their value as an engagement vehicle and the need for accountability. Councillor Tiller echoed concerns about the potential loss of area housing panels and the separation of tenants and leaseholders, advocating for complementary structures rather than discarding existing ones. Councillor Davies suggested considering the benefits of resident participation for residents, the council, and the community, and proposed involving residents in recruitment panels. Councillor Graham discussed the potential for constructive estate walkabouts. Councillor Dikerdem stressed the importance of upstream strategic decision-making and the need for residents to be involved from the outset.

Councillor Corner stated that resident associations would always be valued and that the council would provide them with the necessary tools and resources. He also emphasised the need for modernisation and flexibility in resident engagement.

Work Programme

Callum Wernham, Director of Law and Governance, presented the proposed work programme for the committee. He explained that the programme would include key decisions from the Cabinet Forward Plan and allow for the suggestion of additional items. An informal work programming session was proposed to allow for more in-depth discussion. Councillor Dikerdem supported the proposal for an offline session, suggesting a focus on temporary accommodation conditions. The committee was asked to note the current work programme and consider the approach to its further development.

The meeting concluded with the committee noting the reports and considering them for scrutiny where appropriate.