The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 21 January 2026, was set to cover a range of significant housing matters. Key discussions were anticipated regarding the development of new council homes at Battersea Power Station and the ongoing renewal of the Alton Estate. The committee was also scheduled to review the Housing Revenue Account budget, including proposed rent increases, and receive an update on the use and standards of temporary accommodation. Additionally, a report from the Social Housing Improvement Task and Finish Group was to be presented, alongside an independent report into the Fox House fire.

Battersea Power Station Council Housing

The committee was scheduled to consider proposals for Wandsworth Council to collaborate with Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC) to deliver approximately 203 high-quality council homes. This development, part of the Homes for Wandsworth programme, would be located on Phase 5 of the Battersea Power Station Development, fronting the east side of Kirtling Street, SW8. The report indicated that discussions had been made with the Greater London Authority (GLA) regarding provisional grant funding, and that the scheme aimed for completion in 2029. The proposal included the potential for ancillary resident and community space at ground floor level. The report recommended that the Cabinet agree to this collaboration and the purchase of the homes, noting progress with BPSDC and the GLA, and seeking approval for the scheme's details.

Alton Estate Renewal: Next Steps

A report was presented to the committee detailing the next steps for the Alton Renewal Plan (ARP). This followed a successful resident ballot and outlined the continuation of revenue activity, the delivery of Phase 1 of the Early Improvement Plan (including two new play areas), and the development of a hybrid planning application for the main scheme. The recommendations included noting the ballot outcome and feedback from a Section 105 consultation, approving the commissioning of a social impact assessment, and authorising the preparation of a hybrid planning application. The report also detailed the proposed suspension of the right to buy for secure tenants in blocks scheduled for demolition and delegated authority for property acquisitions and scheme progression. The proposed housing mix aimed to ensure 57% of new homes would be affordable, with a focus on social rent and shared ownership.

Housing Services Activity Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on temporary accommodation usage and standards, in response to the 'five basics' campaign led by the South-West London Law Centre. The report detailed the scale and types of temporary accommodation in use by the Council, noting that the vast majority of placements comprised self-contained homes. It addressed the 'five basics' – cook, connect, wash, store, and understand – outlining the Council's position against each. While the Council largely met the 'cook' criteria, challenges were noted regarding laundry drying space and storage. The report also detailed the Council's approach to Wi-Fi connectivity and information provision for residents in temporary accommodation, highlighting the development of a new handbook.

Housing Revenue Account Budget (including Rents & Other Charges for Council Dwellings)

A comprehensive report was presented regarding the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for the period 2025/26 to 2028/29. The HRA is a ringfenced account managing income and expenditure related to the Council's housing stock. The report recommended additions to the capital programme totalling £241.907 million, bringing the overall capital programme to £758.227 million. Proposals for income included an increase in council housing rents by a maximum of 4.8% from April 2026, alongside general increases in non-residential charges of 3.8% and a reduction in heating and hot water charges. The report detailed financial implications, legal considerations, and equalities impacts, emphasizing the Council's commitment to maintaining existing stock, expanding affordable housing, and supporting residents through the cost of living crisis.

Social Housing Improvement Task and Finish Group Report

This report detailed the work of a Task and Finish Group established in response to a C3 grading by the Regulator of Social Housing. The Group's review focused on improving social housing, examining stock condition surveys, electrical safety checks, fire remedial actions, repairs, and resident engagement. Key recommendations included considering additional resources for analysing stock condition data, improving the resident repair journey through digital tracking and co-designing contract specifications with residents, and incorporating tenant and leaseholder representation into governance arrangements. The report also recommended commissioning external consultants to review the engagement strategy and that Tenant Satisfaction Measures be presented annually to the committee.

Fox House Fire - Independent Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an independent report into the fire at Fox House, prepared by Mr Barry Quirk, CBE. This report was expected to provide an analysis of the incident and potentially make recommendations.

Write off of Irrecoverable Debts over £25,000

A report was presented detailing the Council's debt position and proposing the write-off of irrecoverable debts exceeding £25,000. This followed a request from Councillor Corner for scrutiny of relevant sections. The report outlined the debt recovery actions taken in 2024/25, including delegated write-offs of debts under £25,000 totalling £5 million. It sought approval to write off 19 specific debts totalling £895,875 that were individually in excess of £25,000, across Business Rates and Housing Benefit Overpayments. The report detailed the reasons for these debts being deemed unrecoverable, such as company liquidation, dissolution, or the death of the debtor.

Borough Residents' Forum - Report of meeting held on 19 January 2026

The committee was scheduled to consider a report on the meeting of the Borough Residents' Forum held on 19 January 2026. This would provide an opportunity for the committee to review feedback and discussions from resident representatives.