The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 7 October 2026 to discuss the housing services' readiness for inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing and to review supported housing provision in the borough. Key decisions included noting the progress made in preparing for the inspection and endorsing the ongoing review of supported housing to ensure residents are housed appropriately.

Housing Regulator Readiness for Inspection Review

The committee received an update on the housing services' preparations for a full inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). The RSH, which regulates social housing providers, has expanded its powers following the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, moving towards planned inspections of all large landlords. The council had previously self-referred in 2022 due to concerns about fire, electrical, asbestos, gas, water, and lift safety, leading to a Regulatory Notice.

Officers explained that significant work had been undertaken to address these issues, including updating databases, improving data systems, and developing a comprehensive improvement plan. While the full improvement plan could not be shared publicly as it was awaiting RSH agreement, it was confirmed that the council was actively working on all five regulatory standards. The council anticipates a C3 grading, indicating some weaknesses that need addressing, but expressed confidence in its progress. Discussions also covered the ongoing efforts to enhance tenant engagement through a new Tenant Voice Group and the progress on retrofitting fire doors, with 1,200 replacement doors planned for completion by March 2027.

Supported Housing Review of Provision

The committee also received an update on a review of supported housing provision in the borough, aimed at ensuring residents are supported in the most appropriate setting and promoting independence. The review, conducted by an external consultant, identified the need to optimise existing resources and consider developing new models, such as cluster flats, to meet diverse needs.

Key principles guiding the review include preventing homelessness, reducing admissions to high-cost care schemes, and sustaining people in their current accommodation through appropriate support and technology. The council is working towards a more integrated approach between housing and adult social care, with proposals expected to go to the Change Board in January. Discussions highlighted the importance of matching residents to the right properties and the challenges of meeting demand for specialist housing, with the council aiming to deliver 70 new homes for older people annually as per the London Plan. The review also touched upon the need for flexible provision and the challenges of supporting individuals with complex needs, including mental health issues and drug dependency. The council confirmed that adaptations for private homeowners are available through the Disabled Facilities Grant and the Aid and Adaptation Scheme, while council properties are funded through the Housing Revenue Account. The committee noted the ongoing work to improve housing pathways and ensure residents receive the right support at the right time.

Work Programme

The committee noted the work programme, with a slight amendment to the dates for two items: the heritage place designation item has been moved to the 14th of April meeting, and the climate change decarbonisation of the built environment has been moved to the 10th of March meeting.

The meeting concluded at 8:57 p.m.