The Community & Children's Services Committee were scheduled to discuss a new resident involvement strategy, a development proposal on Baltic Street West, and an asset management strategy for housing services. Also on the agenda was a proposal for the City of London to act as the lead authority for the North East London (NEL) Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant.

Here's a breakdown of the topics the committee was scheduled to address:

North East London (NEL) Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant Delivery Proposal

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for the City of London to act as the lead authority and commissioning body for the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant (RSPARG) on behalf of the North East London (NEL) sub-region.

The report stated that the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government's (MHCLG's) RSPARG was first awarded in 2024/25, and is split between direct awards to individual local authorities and awards to sub-regions. The NEL sub-region includes seven boroughs: Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Barking and Dagenham, Waltham Forest, Havering and Redbridge, as well as the City of London.

The purpose of the grant is to enable local authorities to continue vital rough sleeping services, to support individuals sleeping rough, at risk of sleeping rough, or at risk of returning to rough sleeping.

The report outlined two options:

• Option 1: The City of London acts as the lead authority for the NEL sub-region, receiving RSPARG funding for 2025/26, with consideration given to extending this arrangement to align with confirmation of future funding for 2026/27 and beyond.
• Option 2: The City of London does not assume a lead authority function for the NEL sub-region, with Redbridge retaining the budget and the role until an alternative arrangement can be designed and implemented.

The report recommended adopting option 1, stating that it would improve the City of London's strategic positioning and increase its influence in terms of how sub-regional funding is used.

Resident Involvement Strategy 2025-29

The committee was scheduled to review and approve the draft Resident Involvement Strategy 2025–29 for implementation by the Housing Service. According to the report, the strategy sets out a refreshed and ambitious approach to working collaboratively with residents in the design, delivery, and scrutiny of housing services.

The strategy outlines five strategic objectives:

1. Inclusive and accessible engagement
2. Empower residents to get involved
3. Consistent and timely communication
4. Strengthen and champion resident influence
5. Build a resident involvement culture

The report also mentioned the establishment of a new Resident Voice group, which will act as the primary mechanism for resident-led scrutiny and monitoring of Housing Services.

Housing Services Asset Management Strategy

The committee was scheduled to consider a report presenting the City of London Corporation's Housing Asset Management Strategy 2025 for approval. The Asset Management Strategy (AMS) sets out a comprehensive approach to managing and investing in the Corporation's housing assets over the medium term.

The report noted that a key challenge is the current lack of an up-to-date set of stock condition surveys, with the last comprehensive survey undertaken in 2018. A new programme of surveys has commenced with pilot surveys being undertaken and completion targeted for 2026. Until then, the AMS is based on existing data, professional judgement, and resident and staff feedback, and will be updated as new information becomes available.

Baltic Street West – Development Proposal

The committee was scheduled to discuss a development proposal for Baltic Street West. The report recommended that the committee formally reject an application to declare a parcel of land on Baltic Street West surplus for housing purposes. The report stated that the area provides a vital amenity buffer to the residents of Hatfield House, and it is adjacent to the entrance to the car park. It would also require the removal of two trees, which is contrary to the council's local plan in relation to the protection of trees and open space.

The report also noted that the applicant has submitted a planning application in principle (ref 25/00905/PIP) to develop the site, which will be considered by the Planning & Transportation Committee on 21 October 2025. Objections to the proposal have been received from Historic England, the Conservation Area Advisory Committee, the Golden Lane Estate Residents Association, and two residents from Hatfield House.

Other Matters

The committee was also scheduled to discuss the following items:

• Minutes from the previous meeting on 19 June 2025.
• A report updating the committee on the Barbican and community libraries building projects, including updates on the Barbican Community Meeting Room (The Bostock Room), the Barbican Library Refresh, and the temporary move and redevelopment of Shoe Lane Library.
• A report providing members with detail of the department's current risk register and the actions taken in mitigation to reduce those risks.
• A report providing members with the Quarter 1 Children's Services Committee budget (excluding Housing Revenue Account (HRA)) for the 2025/26 financial year.
• An update on the Families in the City programme, which is the Department of Community and Children's Services (DCCS) and partners' response to national government reform and Best Start Family Hubs for children and young people aged 0-19 or 25 years for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).