The Housing and Regeneration Scrutiny Commission met on Tuesday 27 January 2026 to discuss a range of important issues concerning housing and regeneration in Newham. Key topics included an investigation report into consumer standards compliance, the management and allocation of infrastructure funding, and the effectiveness of the council's property licensing schemes.

Capsticks LLP Investigation Report into Consumer Standards Compliance

The Commission was scheduled to consider the findings of an investigation by Capsticks LLP into consumer standards compliance within the council's housing services. This report examines governance, reporting, and oversight arrangements, following a C4 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing in October 2024, which indicated serious failings. The investigation report, considered by Cabinet in December 2025, aims to inform the council's Housing Services Improvement Programme and strengthen accountability.

Infrastructure Funding in Newham

A report was presented to outline how the council manages and allocates Section 106 agreements, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), and Neighbourhood CIL (NCIL) to support infrastructure delivery. The discussion was intended to cover how these funding streams align with the Newham Local Plan 2018 and strategic infrastructure priorities, how funds are managed and monitored, and any risks or lessons learned impacting effective delivery. As of Q3 2025/26, the council held approximately £99.7 million in Section 106 funds and £21 million in CIL funds.

Property Licensing in Newham

The Commission was set to review the Private Sector Housing (PSH) Licensing Scheme and its role in improving housing standards, safeguarding tenants, and supporting council priorities. This included an overview of the mandatory, additional, and selective HMO licensing schemes, their scope, and coverage. Performance metrics for applications, approvals, refusals, and unlicensed properties were to be presented, alongside details of enforcement activity, including inspections, hazards identified, notices, civil penalties, and prosecution trends. The report also addressed the management of high-risk practices such as overcrowding and unlawful conversions, the embedding of damp and mould response requirements, and fire safety and cladding risks in the private rented sector. Evidence of local affordability pressures and their impact on displacement, homelessness, and temporary accommodation was also scheduled for discussion, as were trends in private rented sector evictions and preventive work. The report highlighted the upcoming Renters Rights Act 2026 and its implications for the sector.

Work Programme

Finally, the Commission was due to review and confirm its work programme for the remainder of the 2025-2026 municipal year. This programme, agreed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 22 July 2025, outlines the key scrutiny topics planned for the year, including ongoing monitoring of the Repairs and Maintenance Service, a review of the Regulator of Social Housing's C4 grading and the implementation of recommendations, and discussions on homelessness response, prevention, and temporary accommodation. Future meetings were scheduled to cover private rented sector licensing, CIL/Section 106 agreements, and neighbourhood investment projects.