The Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission met to discuss the Council's draft Private Sector Housing Strategy 2024-29 and the Housing Strategy 2024-29, which were due to be adopted by Cabinet later in the year. Councillors discussed the draft Private Sector Housing Strategy 2024-29, raising questions about enforcement, tenant engagement, and support for specific demographics. The Commission agreed to reflect on the evidence heard and may make suggestions or recommendations for consideration as part of the strategy consultation process. Regarding the Housing Strategy 2024-29, the Commission discussed possible timelines for its publication.

Draft Private Sector Housing Strategy 2024-29

The Commission's discussion of the draft Private Sector Housing Strategy 2024-29 began by recognising the importance of the Private Rented Sector (PRS) in Hackney, which has seen a significant increase in the number of privately rented homes in recent years. Key priorities identified in the strategy included improving housing standards, tackling rogue landlords, and addressing issues such as damp, mould, and energy inefficiency.

Councillors raised several questions about the strategy. One significant concern was how the Council planned to engage with harder to reach and marginalised groups in developing and implementing the strategy. Councillor Sem Moema, Deputy Cabinet Member for Private Rented Sector & Housing Affordability, explained that the Council was committed to engaging with a wide range of groups and organisations to ensure the strategy was representative of Hackney's communities. This would include groups such as people on low incomes and key workers, as well as older people, younger people and faith groups.

As part of the consultation process, the Council planned to engage with a wide range of groups and organisations to ensure the strategy was representative of Hackney’s communities. This would include people on low incomes and key workers, as well as older people, younger people and faith groups.

— Councillor Sem Moema, Deputy Cabinet Member for Private Rented Sector & Housing Affordability

The Commission also questioned the Council's use of enforcement powers in the PRS, particularly regarding building safety. Councillor Moema explained that the Council employs a range of enforcement powers, including formal, deterrent-focused powers and informal actions, to regulate the PRS. The Commission requested a detailed breakdown of the Council's use of formal enforcement powers, such as statutory notices and banning orders.

Another important topic was tenant education on rights and responsibilities. The Commission sought clarification on how the Council assists tenants facing issues in the PRS and where they could seek advice. Councillor Moema highlighted the role of social media in disseminating information about tenant rights and Council commitments.

The Commission also explored issues related to specific demographics within the PRS. They sought information on how the Council planned to support older private tenants, recognising the increasing likelihood of individuals reaching retirement age while still in private rentals.

The conversation also touched upon the impact of external factors, such as the Renters' (Reform) Bill and Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates, on the PRS in Hackney. The Commission sought details on the Council's lobbying efforts regarding these legislative measures. Councillor Moema confirmed the Council's active involvement in advocating for tenant rights and improved housing conditions within the PRS.

Housing Strategy 2024-29

The Commission also received an update on the Housing Strategy 2024-29, focusing on the timeline for its development and publication. Hackney Council officer Nathan Keates, Project Manager Housing Strategy & Policy, outlined three possible routes:

Route One involved presenting a draft strategy to the Cabinet in June 2024, followed by a 12-week public consultation period, with the final strategy presented to the Cabinet in December 2024. This route had to consider potential disruptions from the London Mayoral Election and General Election.

Route Two proposed aligning the Housing Strategy timeline with the Local Plan Review, resulting in a similar timeline to Route One but delayed by a year, with completion in June 2025. This route would avoid any potential disruptions from the elections.

Route Three, similar to Route Two, involved waiting for the Local Plan Review and elections but also including the preparation of a Position Statement/Emerging Themes document for the Cabinet in December 2024.

The Commission enquired about the proposed 12-week public consultation process for the draft Housing Strategy. Mr Keates confirmed the statutory requirement for the consultation but stated that the specific methods were yet to be determined.

The Commission expressed their intention to revisit the Housing Strategy in the new municipal year for a detailed examination of emerging priorities and their implementation strategies.