The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Commission met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to discuss a range of housing-related matters. Key topics included the Portfolio Holder's priorities for the upcoming municipal year, concerns regarding private estate management charges, and updates on legislative changes impacting social housing.

Portfolio Holder Priorities 2026-27

Councillor Drake-Davis, Portfolio Holder for Economic Renewal and Housing, was scheduled to present their priorities for the 2026-2027 municipal year. These priorities were outlined as:

• Creating more affordable homes, with a focus on social rent where possible.
• Providing effective support to prevent homelessness and reduce the use of temporary accommodation.
• Improving standards in privately rented housing.
• Ensuring high-quality, safe services that meet the expectations of tenants and the Regulator of Social Housing.

Private Estate Management Fleecehold Charges

The Commission was scheduled to receive an overview of private estate management arrangements, often colloquially referred to as fleecehold charges. This topic was prompted by a Full Council motion and aimed to provide context on the current landscape of these arrangements, where homeowners and renters may pay additional charges to private firms for the upkeep of communal features on new build estates. The report pack indicated that these charges are often difficult to challenge and lack oversight. The briefing paper noted that substantive changes to the Council's ability to intervene in these arrangements would ultimately depend on national legislative changes, with the forthcoming Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill expected to introduce some reforms.

Update on Awaab's Law

An update was scheduled regarding the implementation of the Hazard in Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulations 2025, commonly known as Awaab's Law. This legislation, introduced following the tragic death of Awaab Ishak, mandates landlords to address emergency hazards and damp and mould within specific timeframes. The report detailed how Neighbourhoods and Housing has responded to these changes, including amendments to triage tools, reduced response times, the establishment of a dedicated Awaab's team, and extensive training for staff. The briefing paper highlighted the challenges faced due to shortened response times and the volume of repairs, as well as the upcoming Phase 2 of Awaab's Law, which will extend to more hazards.

Update: Progress & Impact of Implementation of 5-day Urgent Repairs

The Commission was due to receive an update on the progress and impact of implementing a 5-day Urgent Repair category, alongside a 60-day planned order for larger repairs. The report detailed how these revised repair categories aim to improve customer experience, provide better use of staffing resources, and align with best practices for benchmarking performance. The introduction of these categories was discussed and agreed with the Tenants Repair Group. The briefing paper also touched upon the impact of Awaab's Law on the number of emergency and urgent repairs being raised.

Contract Extension for General Building Works, Improvements and Repairs to Council Owned Housing Stock

The Commission was scheduled to undertake pre-decision scrutiny regarding a proposed one-year extension to the existing NEC4 Term Service Contract with CLC Contractors Limited. This extension, along with an increase in the contract value by £3,500,000, is intended to ensure the continued delivery of essential property maintenance, compliance, and improvement works. The report highlighted that the increased contract value is necessary to accommodate additional service requirements arising from legislative and regulatory changes, increased demand, and support for wider housing priorities, including the refurbishment of void properties and the Council's Buy Back Programme.

Neighbourhoods and Housing Access Policy

The Commission was scheduled to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of the Neighbourhoods and Housing Access Policy. This policy has been developed to provide a consistent approach for officers when reviewing existing and developing new access procedures within the service. The policy outlines the relevant legislation, guidance, and internal documents, details when access is needed, how it will be gained in various circumstances (emergency, statutory function, or service provision), tenant responsibilities, and the principles followed if access is refused. It also addresses understanding and assessing equalities, vulnerability, and access to properties.

Neighbourhoods & Housing Quarterly Assurance and Performance Report - Quarter 1, 2026-27

The Commission was scheduled to scrutinise the latest performance report for Neighbourhoods & Housing for the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year. The report highlighted improvements in areas such as the Decent Homes Standard and the delivery of Home Condition Surveys, while also noting ongoing challenges with council void properties and overdue repairs. The report also provided updates on building safety, temporary accommodation, and the delivery of new housing.

Work Programme

The Commission was scheduled to consider and agree the latest version of their work programme. This included a review of pre-populated items carried forward from the former Communities Overview and Scrutiny Commission, reflecting outstanding housing-related matters requiring further scrutiny. Members were invited to suggest additional areas of focus for future meetings.