The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting addressed the council's response to the Fox House fire, the development of new council housing at Battersea Power Station and the Alton Estate, and the Housing Revenue Account budget. Key decisions included approving the progression of the Battersea Power Station housing scheme, outlining next steps for the Alton Estate renewal, and recommending a 4.8% rent increase for council housing.

Fox House Fire Independent Report

The committee received an independent report from Barry Quirk, CBE, into the council's response to the Fox House fire. Mr. Quirk highlighted the significant emotional and financial cost to residents who lost their homes and possessions, emphasising the need for individualised recovery support. He stressed that public safety is paramount, particularly for vulnerable residents, and that local authorities must respond corporately to emergencies. The report noted that while the council's response was adequate and satisfactory, it failed fully to meet the needs of the residents that evening and could have been better with more senior personnel present and improved inter-departmental communication. Questions were raised about the cause and spread of the fire, the adequacy of member training for emergencies, and the provision of Personal Evacuation Plans (PEAPs). Mr. Quirk confirmed that the fire brigade's forensic team was investigating the cause, but acknowledged that the pouring of water on the fire may have jeopardised the investigation. He also commented on the need for a more robust approach to member training in civil contingencies and emergencies, and the importance of ensuring residents have PEAPs. Councillor Covindia raised concerns about the £15 limit for immediate financial assistance to residents and the bureaucracy surrounding it, to which Mr. Quirk responded that flexibility was shown on the night and that there is scope for greater flexibility going forward. The committee also discussed the need for London-wide or sub-regional solutions for emergency accommodation, particularly in light of potential train strikes.

Battersea Power Station Council Housing

The committee discussed the proposal to deliver approximately 203 high-quality council homes at Battersea Power Station¹ as part of the Homes for Wandsworth programme. Cabinet had previously approved this scheme, which involves the council becoming a long-term leaseholder of the building and land, with full control over the ground floor. The scheme is expected to be completed by 2029. Councillor Govindia sought clarification on service charge implications for both the council and future residents, given the block's location within a wider master plan. Paul Moore, who has been stewarding the place and growth function, assured the committee that service charges would be within normal thresholds and not at a rate typically applied on the Battersea Power Station site. He also confirmed that the council would not be liable for service charges related to facilities it does not access. Councillor Ayres inquired about the suspension of the right to buy for new builds, and it was confirmed that new build council housing is currently excluded from the right to buy. Councillor Corner asked about the indicative timeline for the scheme, with completion and occupation targeted for 2029. He also sought details on the GLA grant funding, which was outlined in an exempt appendix. Concerns were raised about long-term service charge increases and transparency, particularly in light of issues experienced in Nine Elms². Councillor Graham questioned the quality assurances for the new site, especially regarding elements like lifts, and was assured that the council's own high-quality housing schemes had been used as a benchmark in the design process. Councillor Govindia also raised concerns about the bedroom mix of the new homes, questioning if it adequately catered for larger families, and was directed to the planning application for detailed information.

Alton Estate Renewal Next Steps

The committee received an update on the Alton Estate Renewal Plan (ARP), following a successful resident ballot where 82.4% voted in favour of the proposals. The next steps include progressing a hybrid planning application for the main scheme, delivering two new play areas as part of the Early Improvement Plan (EIP), and commissioning a social impact assessment. Councillor Stock raised questions about home sizes and bedroom provision, and Vicky Clark, who is providing director-level capacity on the scheme, explained that a housing needs assessment for residents to be rehoused is underway, and the design allows for flexibility in unit sizes. Councillor Govindia sought assurance that the landlord offer for residents on the Alton Estate would be consistent with offers made at the Winstanley York Road regeneration. Paul Moore confirmed that similar principles of fairness and equity are sought across all estate regeneration programmes, while also allowing for local flexibility. Concerns were raised about the cost drift for the Community Hub Civic Building, which increased from £22.7 million to £36.5 million, partly due to the potential inclusion of an Alton GP practice facility. Councillor Corner questioned the process of selecting architects and contractors and the council's level of say in the design and build process, and was assured that the council had a firm grip on the design process due to its expertise in council housing development. Councillor Fraser asked how the council was navigating the current development pipeline challenges to get schemes like the Alton Estate moving forward, and was told that this project was a testament to what the council can achieve through collaboration and that it could reset the dial with the investor community.

Housing Services Activity Report

The committee received a report on the council's temporary accommodation (TA) provision in response to the 'five basics' campaign by the South-West London Law Centre (SWLLC). The report indicated that approximately 90% of the TA provided is self-contained accommodation. Dave Worth, Director of Housing Services, stated that the council is in continuous engagement with SWLLC and views the relationship as a partnership. While acknowledging that more can be done, particularly regarding Wi-Fi provision, the report highlighted the significant costs associated with providing these services universally. Councillor Stock proposed a recommendation that the council commit to ensuring that nightly paid or licensed accommodation, and private sector properties procured, undergo compliance checks for the 'five basics' prior to placement and are monitored on an ongoing basis. Councillor Govindia expressed concerns about the practical implications of such a recommendation, particularly if it diminished the council's ability to secure TA in a competitive market. Councillor Dickenden agreed to explore the recommendation further with his cabinet colleagues, acknowledging the aspiration and the practical challenges.

Housing Revenue Account Budget

The committee discussed the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget, including proposed rent and other charges for council dwellings. Mark Davies, Financial Controller, presented the report, which recommended a capital spend of almost £242 million, bringing the total capital investment over the next three years to £758 million. This investment covers repairs, improvements, and new housing delivery. The report proposed a rent increase of up to 4.8% from April 2026, citing rising costs, maintenance backlogs, and increased building safety regulations. Non-residential charges are proposed to increase by an average of 3.8%, with a 20% reduction in communal heating and hot water charges. Councillor Corner questioned the consultation process with the Borough Residents' Forum, noting that the paper was published before the forum met. Mr. Davies explained that the forum's opinions would be fed back through the governance process. Councillor Govindia asked for a breakdown of the capital bids relating to major works, which Mr. Davies offered to provide outside the meeting. Councillor McLeod, a council tenant, asked for a comparison of the proposed 3.8% rent increase with potential increases in the private rental sector, and was informed that private sector rents, particularly in the borough, have risen significantly. Councillor Fraser raised concerns about the impact of rent increases on households not in receipt of Universal Credit and asked about modelling for potential arrears, which was addressed by Alex Wilson from the Finance team, who detailed the council's support mechanisms and the use of the Low Income Family Tracker.

Social Housing Improvement Task and Finish Group

The committee received the final report from the Social Housing Improvement Task and Finish Group, which was established in response to a C3 grading by the Regulator of Social Housing. The report highlighted progress in areas such as stock condition surveys, electrical safety checks, and fire remedial actions. Key recommendations included: establishing additional resources for analysing stock condition data, improving the resident repair journey through digital tracking and co-designing contract specifications with residents, revising the Borough Residents' Forum constitution, including tenant and leaseholder representation in governance structures, commissioning external consultants to review the engagement strategy, presenting Tenant Satisfaction Measures annually to the committee, and continuing to scrutinise the improvement plan post-election. Councillor Stock expressed concerns that the report missed opportunities to quantify the cost of regulatory findings and their remediation, and to be bolder in proposing a cultural shift in resident engagement. Councillor Dickenden, Cabinet Member for Housing, acknowledged these points and stated that the recommendations would be considered by Cabinet as part of a wider Housing Improvement Plan.

Write off of Irrecoverable Debts over £25,000

Councillor Corner requested this item be added to the agenda for scrutiny. The report detailed the council's debt position and proposed the write-off of 19 irrecoverable debts totalling £895,875, which were individually in excess of £25,000. These debts were across Business Rates and Housing Benefit Overpayments. The report also noted that £5 million in debts under £25,000 had been written off under delegated authority during the previous year. The committee was informed that these write-offs had been provided for within the council's bad debt provision and that all statutory billing and recovery processes had been followed before these debts were deemed unrecoverable. The committee noted the report, and Councillor Corner stated he would follow up with officers separately.

The meeting concluded with the committee noting the remainder of the agenda due to time constraints.