The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, to discuss the strategy for re-procuring housing repairs services and to review the committee's scrutiny report. The meeting also included a review of previous minutes and an opportunity for public participation.

Housing Repairs Service Procurement Strategy

The committee was scheduled to consider the council's Housing Repairs Service Procurement Strategy, which outlines the approach to re-tendering services currently provided by two existing repairs partnering contracts. These contracts, held by Aston Group and Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS), are due to end on 31 March 2027. The strategy proposes retaining a two-partnering contract model but with several changes to the scope of services. These include procuring some services directly from specialist consultants or contractors to reduce overheads, increase competition, and improve operational resilience.

Proposed changes to contract terms include adjustments to contract durations, the introduction of new performance Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as the 28-day Tenant Satisfaction Measure, and measures to address damp and mould, aged Work In Progress cases, and legal disrepair. The pricing model for the general repairs contract is also set to be amended from the current Price Per Property (PPP) model. The report indicated that resident engagement had been carried out, with feedback gathered through consultations, workshops, and resident surveys.

The report also detailed the options considered for the procurement strategy, including in-house delivery, a single external repairs partner contractor, and the recommended option of two external repairs partners. The analysis favoured the two-partner model due to its alignment with the council's strategic priorities, including cost-effectiveness, risk mitigation, and performance management.

The Scrutiny Report

The committee was also scheduled to review The Scrutiny Report, which would have provided an update on the committee's forward plan for the ongoing municipal year. As this was the last meeting of the municipal year, members were invited to make suggestions for the 2026-27 cycle. The report would also have detailed the Action Tracker, which captures actions required of officers from previous meetings, and the Recommendation Tracker, which outlines the committee's conclusions on service improvements. Additionally, the report was expected to list key decisions falling under the committee's remit from the Cabinet Forward Plan, including the Housing Repairs Service Procurement Strategy itself, and the Adoption of Local Plan Part 2.

The forward plan for the Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee for the 2025-26 cycle was also to be reviewed. This plan included items such as an internal analysis of Housing Ombudsman determinations, an update on the Social Housing Regulation, and an annual review of the Housing Compact. Future planned items for the committee included updates on the Temporary Accommodation Strategy, the Infrastructure Delivery Plan, the Housing Asset Management Strategy, and the HRA Rents and Service Charges.