Councillor Nick Austin

Agenda

The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Wandsworth Council met on 8 April 2025 to discuss an interim update on the Regulatory Inspection and any declarations of interest. The meeting was scheduled to consider the Council’s grading from the Regulator of Social Housing inspection that took place in November 2024. A more detailed report was expected to be presented to the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee in June.

Agenda and draft minutes

The meeting approved the Council’s budget, including a council tax freeze for the third year in a row. The meeting also approved a package of reforms to the Council’s constitution, including new rules about which decisions are treated as “key decisions” and a new process for scrutinising Cabinet decisions.

Agenda

The council approved the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget and Rent Setting 2025/26 and a number of amendments to the Council's Standing Orders, following the walkout of all Conservative Councillors after the refusal of a motion to bring forward a debate on the possible closure of Bradstow School. The council also noted a number of supplementary items.

Agenda

This meeting included for discussion a review of the financial plans for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), a consultation update on the Local Plan[^2] and the election of a new Vice-Chair. The meeting also included a proposed reduction of the charges paid by residents for communal heating and hot water and an amendment to the Council's policy for setting rents in Council owned properties.

Agenda

The Council voted to note a report about an increase to Councillor allowances for information and approved a motion celebrating the Council's success in supporting social workers. The Council also voted against motions to exempt or compensate charities for the rise in Employer National Insurance Contributions, and to condemn the Council for failing to take action to end the protest on Riverside Walk in Nine Elms. The Council voted to accept a Conservative amendment to a Labour motion on compassion at Christmas.