Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Committee Members, Councillor Stephen Booth, Akin Elekolusi and Mason Humberstone. 

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive an update on the delivery of the 2024-25 Work Programme and options for consideration for the Committee’s 2025-26 Work Programme.

The Chair invited the Scrutiny Officer to provide detail on the 2024/25 work programme and the emerging work programme options for 2025-26.

One key area of focus for the Committee was the Equalities and Diversity Review. The next steps involved presenting a draft report to the Committee, providing members with the opportunity to give feedback ahead of the final version. Both versions of the report were scheduled to be brought forward in the next municipal year.

The Committee had received updates on the one-off reviews of the Housing Allocations Policy, Housing Investment – Asset Management, and Damp and Mould, with further discussions noted for the future. A one-off scrutiny review of the Neighbourhood Wardens was also undertaken, during which officers outlined their roles and recent work across the town. Additionally, the Committee reviewed the new Leisure Contract and the Crime and Disorder item.

The Committee reviewed the suggested items for the Work Programme 2025-26:

(1)  Progress Report on Housing Allocations

The Scrutiny Officer provided an overview of the new Housing Allocations Policy, and members discussed the ongoing challenges in managing expectations related to the housing waiting list. It was noted that the Committee would revisit the policy in Autumn 2025, one year after its implementation, ahead of a scheduled update to Cabinet.

(2)  Damp and Mould

The Chair advised that it would be beneficial to develop a written process to support both Members and Tenants in understanding the Council’s approach to managing Damp and Mould cases. It was noted that the use of flowcharts to illustrate these processes would be a useful tool for improving understanding and accountability. 

The Committee discussed the ongoing challenges posed by Damp and Mould and the importance of tracking repeat cases. Officers explained that emergency removal was carried out as an immediate response, followed by necessary remedial works, including improvements to ventilation and heating systems. While relevant information was available, the need for face-to-face engagement by surveyors and repairs teams was emphasised as key to reinforcing important messages.

Members were informed that a new Head of Repairs had been appointed who would lead on Damp and Mold issues, with the expectation of improved performance and greater consistency. It was also noted that Awaab’s Law would come into legislation in October 2025.

Officers proposed that the Damp and Mould programme be brought back to Committee in the autumn, with Members invited to submit specific questions in advance to ensure key concerns were fully addressed.

(3)  Tenant Enforcement and Audits

Officers explained that the programme item would cover trends identified in enforcement actions taken against tenants. Audits were highlighted as a valuable tool for improving the Council’s understanding of its housing stock and occupancy levels.

The Committee discussed the need for continued improvement in data accuracy and consistency and Officers confirmed that steps were being taken to refine the audit policy and ensure outcomes were clearly communicated.

It was noted that the Tenancy Audit procedure had been reviewed, it had identified that a formal policy for staff  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

To consider any Part I business accepted by the Chair as urgent

There was no Urgent Part I Business

To consider the following motions:

1. That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the ground that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs 1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2. That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

Not required.

To consider any Part II business accepted by the Chair as urgent

There was no Urgent Part II Business.