Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Leanne Brady and Lynda Guy.

To note the terms of reference for the Committee as agreed at Annual Council on 22 May 2025.

It was RESOLVED that the Terms of Reference for the Community Select Committee, as approved at the Annual Council Meeting held on 22 May 2025, be noted.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Community Select Committee held on 26 March and 8 April 2025.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Community Select Committee meeting held on 26 March and 8 April 2025 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the Community Select Committee’s Work Programme for 2025-26.

The Chair introduced the Community Select Work Programme for 2025-26 and welcomed the Scrutiny Officer to provide an overview.

It was noted that items on the work programme were open to discussion, and members were invited to raise any questions as each item was reviewed.

Progress of the new Housing Allocations Policy

Members reviewed the progress on the new Housing Allocations Policy which was scheduled to return to the Committee in October 2025.

Members requested that the update included an emphasis on equalities, specifically addressing the needs of residents with mental or physical health conditions. It was noted that the policy was comprehensive and expressed the need for clearer guidance such as a checklist to support both residents and members in navigating the application process.

Officers confirmed that additional work had been undertaken to strengthen the policy’s approach to equalities and to better support care leavers. These developments were to be included in the October 2025 update.

Tenant Enforcement/Tenancy Audits

An update was provided on Tenant Enforcement, and it was confirmed that an update on Tenancy Audits was scheduled for the next meeting in September 2025. No further questions were raised.

One-off update item on Housing Damp & Mould

The Committee noted the need for an update on the Council’s Damp and Mould policy, due to upcoming legislation coming into effect in October 2025. Officers advised that an update would be brought to the Committee in September 2025. Members were informed that partial government guidance had been received, and work had commenced to update relevant practices and policies.

It was acknowledged that the government had imposed a tight turnaround, and members expressed concern over the limited timeframe available to implement the changes. The Committee noted that further updates and scrutiny would likely be required beyond the September meeting. It was noted that Damp and Mould remained a longstanding challenge for local authorities, particularly in relation to older housing stock. 

Officers confirmed that the Council’s Damp and Mould policy had been updated and was currently compliant with existing requirements. The new legislation would also include additional hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). A briefing note would be circulated to members ahead of the September meeting to provide further details.

Members welcomed the Council’s ongoing commitment to addressing this evolving issue and emphasised the importance of continued monitoring and review. 

It was further noted that the Committee would be provided with tangible information on the impact of the recent integration of the Repairs and Voids services, including the benefits and outcomes of combining these facilities. This request was noted and would be addressed in the September update.

Equalities and Diversity

The Scrutiny Officer informed the Committee that work had commenced on Equalities and Diversity. A draft report was scheduled to be presented to the Committee in November 2025.

Older People

The Committee considered the Council’s work in supporting older residents. While it was noted that Hertfordshire County Council were responsible for Older People’s Services, Stevenage Borough Council had undertaken  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider the Community Select Committee’s Action Tracker for 2025 and for Members to indicate if they wish to receive an update on any previous reviews where they are not already covered in this year’s Work Programme.

The Committee reviewed the action tracker to monitor the progress of past recommendations which included responses from the Portfolio Holders.

Members received updates on a number of review areas. It was confirmed that work on Equality and Diversity had commenced, and Members would be informed when the review was complete. Updates were also provided on Housing Repairs and Voids, and Members were invited to consider scheduling future updates on this area.

The Committee noted that the New Towns Heritage Centre Review remained in development alongside wider regeneration plans. The Housing Allocations review was confirmed to be returning to the Committee in October 2025. Damp and Mould was discussed during the meeting and a follow up was scheduled.  

Members commented on the importance of maintaining a focus on Sports and Leisure services. It was noted that the contract should be monitored to ensure it was meeting the needs of the community. The Committee discussed the difficulties with booking systems, limited space in the new facilities and the need for a clear vision due to recent changes in the Portfolio Holders. Members commented on the membership tiers offered by Everyone Active and emphasised that these services should be accessible to all residents.

Further discussions took place regarding the role of Portfolio Holders in the Community Select Committee meetings. It was agreed that Portfolio Holders would be invited selectively, where appropriate, to help ensure clarity and accountability while maintaining the integrity and independence of the scrutiny process.

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.

It was RESOLVED:

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 grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs 1 to 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by SI 2006 No. 88.

2.    That having considered the reasons for the following item being in Part II, it be determined that maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighed the public interest in disclosure.

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

There was no Urgent Part II Business.