South Holland District Council's Cabinet met to discuss the council's financial performance, housing standards, and strategic initiatives. Key decisions included noting the forecast revenue overspend and approving consultations for the Council Tax Support scheme, as well as adopting an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Awaab's Law Implementation

The Cabinet received an update on the council's preparedness to deliver the Social Housing (Prescribed Requirements) (England) Regulation 2025, also known as Awaab's Law, and adopted the revised Housing Repairs and Fitness for Habitation Policy and Damp Condensation and Mould Policy. Awaab's Law, named after Awaab Ishak, who died from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his social housing flat, sets strict timelines for social landlords to address hazards like damp and mould.

The first phase of the legislation, effective from October 2025, requires social landlords to:

• Investigate emergency hazards immediately and act within 24 hours.
• Investigate significant hazards (e.g., damp and mould) within 10 working days.
• Provide a written summary of findings within 3 working days of concluding the investigation.
• Act if a hazard presents a significant risk, make the property safe within 5 working days and begin repair works as soon as reasonably practical within 12 weeks.
• Offer suitable alternative accommodation at the landlord's expense if the property cannot be made safe.

The council's approach includes updating its triage process, providing briefings for officers and contractors, and launching a communications campaign to raise awareness of Awaab's Law. The Assistant Director - Housing was delegated authority to make minor operational changes and any legislative amendments to the Housing Repairs and Fitness for Habitation Policy and the Damp Condensation and Mould Policy.

During a previous meeting on 8 July 2025, members had asked about the circumstances in which damp, condensation and mould cases could become emergencies, particularly out of hours. The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing, Councillor Tracey Carter, had said that emergencies should generally occur only when a property was left empty and the tenant returned to find damp and mould.

Housing Landlord Service Regulatory Judgement

The Cabinet noted the Regulatory Judgement of a C2 Grade issued by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) on 30 July 2025, following a programmed inspection of South Holland District Council as a Registered Social Landlord. The judgement recognised the council's strategic shift to prioritise the landlord service and its plans to deliver improvements via the Housing Transformation Programme. However, it also identified areas where improvements were needed, including tenant satisfaction with repairs and maintenance, non-digital access to tenant information, and formal mechanisms for tenant scrutiny.

The RSH uses four grades, from C1 to C4, with C1 being the highest.

• C1: The landlord is delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards.
• C2: There are some weaknesses in the landlord delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards and improvement is needed.
• C3: There are serious failings in the landlord delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards and significant improvement is needed.
• C4: There are very serious failings in the landlord delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards.

The council has been told to focus on the full delivery of its existing plans, including the Housing Transformation Programme, Housing Repairs Online, Tenant Engagement and Influence Strategy, Stock Condition Survey Programme, and ASB framework.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy

The Cabinet approved the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, aiming to further develop service provision to ensure services are accessible to all. The strategy includes a high-level action plan with initiatives such as mandatory EDI training for all staff, a review of existing policies, community engagement, and metrics to measure progress and impact. The Cabinet also agreed to contribute to a 2-year fixed term officer role to provide expertise and oversee the implementation of the action plan.

The council's decision was made to comply with legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equality Duty, and to enhance the reputation of South Holland District Council as an inclusive and progressive council.

Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2026/27 Consultation

The Cabinet approved a consultation on the continuation of the current Council Tax Support scheme, including uprating in line with the Department for Work and Pensions' (DWP) annual update of allowances and premiums for 2026/27. Councillor Paul A Redgate, Deputy Leader, Portfolio Holder for Finance, was delegated oversight and approval of the consultation approach, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer¹. The decision to consult on continuing the current scheme was made despite the challenges South Holland District Council faces to present a balanced budget for 2026/27, because options to reduce the maximum level of Council Tax Support are not being considered for 2026/27 due to the impact this would have on working age claimant households.

South and East Lincolnshire Council's Crowdfunding Scheme

The Cabinet noted the progress of the South and East Lincolnshire Councils Crowdfunding scheme and supported its continuation. In its first two years, the scheme has supported fifteen projects across the sub-region, with a total project value of £149,887. The scheme provides an innovative platform to support local projects and offers the community an alternative to traditional funding routes.

Quarter 4 Risk Report 24/25

The Cabinet considered and noted the quarterly risk monitoring information for Q4 of 2024/25. The risk management arrangements are designed to provide the council with a clearer understanding of the key risks facing the organisation and how these are being managed.

2025/26 Quarter One Finance Update

The Cabinet noted the forecast revenue position of a £462,000 overspend for 2025/26 and the need for continued focus on the savings and efficiency programme. It also noted the forecast revenue position of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2025/26, which is a surplus of £373,000. The Cabinet recommended to Council that it approve the amendments to the HRA Capital Programme and approved amendments to the Capital Programme.