The Scrutiny Commission of Hinckley and Bosworth Council met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to discuss a range of housing, community, and digital inclusion matters. Key decisions included endorsing updated policies on voids and temporary accommodation, approving a significant capital investment for acquiring one-bedroom properties for homeless single people, and adopting a new Tenant Voice Strategy.

Environmental Improvement Programme 2026/27

The Commission noted the enhancement schemes planned for the Environmental Improvement Programme 2026/27. Councillor P Williams, Chair of the meeting and the council's heritage champion, declared that his role as heritage champion did not constitute an interest that required him to leave the meeting during this discussion. Members welcomed the report and the proposed projects, with Councillor Webber-Jones moving and Councillor Pendlebury seconding the resolution to note the enhancement schemes. It was suggested that the schemes carried out since the programme's inception should be celebrated to raise the profile of heritage, and this suggestion was agreed to be taken back to the Heritage Forum.

Updated Landlord Services Voids Policy

The Commission received the updated Landlord Services Voids Policy, which aims to ensure that empty properties are returned to use quickly while meeting all safety and quality standards. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Pendlebury seconded, a resolution to endorse the policy and recommend its approval to the Executive, with authority delegated to the Director of Place and the Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety to make minor amendments.

Temporary Accommodation Policy

Members reviewed the Temporary Accommodation Policy, noting that it consolidated existing practices rather than introducing new rules. In response to questions, it was confirmed that while efforts are made to avoid placing individuals outside the borough, it is sometimes unavoidable. Homelessness was described as a significant pressure and a daily challenge, with ongoing local and national work to address these issues. The Commission requested that the policy be shared with all members once approved. Councillor Pendlebury moved, and Councillor Webber-Jones seconded, a resolution to endorse the Temporary Accommodation Policy and note the implementation steps.

General Fund Temporary Accommodation Programme - Phase 3

The Commission was presented with Phase 3 of the General Fund Temporary Accommodation Programme, which focuses on providing accommodation for single people, unlike previous phases that concentrated on families. A key element of this phase is a partnership with Falcon Support Services to repurpose John Nichols Street Hostel as supported accommodation. Members acknowledged the need for such provision and praised the work of Falcon Support Services. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Pendlebury seconded, a resolution to approve the use of up to £2.5 million from the capital programme for acquiring one-bedroom properties, recommend to the Council the approval of a revenue expenditure budget of £384,250, recommend to the Executive the approval of a partnership with Falcon Support Services, and endorse the delegation of authority to the Director of Place Services for implementation.

Awaab's Law Phase 1 and 2 Updates (Damp & Mould and Hazards)

Members were updated on the progress since the implementation of Awaab's Law in October 2025, focusing on damp and mould, and were informed about Phase 2's expanded statutory requirements taking effect in October 2026. It was confirmed that the council had met, and would continue to meet, statutory timescales for compliance in its council housing. In response to questions, it was noted that housing repairs officers work closely with the tenancy management team for property checks, and action is taken when access is denied for essential works. It was also discovered that some tenants had waited over six months to report damp and mould, leading to increased efforts to highlight the importance of prompt reporting. The increase in damp and mould cases was attributed not only to Awaab's Law but also to the council's awareness-raising activities. Members welcomed the report and acknowledged the market-leading work of the team, agreeing that a demonstration of the team's dashboard would be arranged. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Pendlebury seconded, a resolution to note the sustained statutory compliance under Phase 1, the expanded scope of Phase 2, and the increased pressure Phase 2 places on both Housing Repairs and Tenancy Management teams.

Tenant Engagement Overview 2025/26

The Commission received an overview of tenant engagement activity during 2025/26, noting an improvement in tenant satisfaction. Methods of engagement are regularly reviewed to determine their effectiveness. The council was reported to be in the upper quartile nationally for tenant satisfaction, with performance indicators measuring not only satisfaction but also the success of actions taken to achieve it. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Surtees seconded, a resolution to note the tenant engagement activity, acknowledge improvements in response to feedback, particularly in repairs services, and support the continued embedding of tenant engagement across all housing services.

Tenant Voice Strategy 2026 - 2029

The Tenant Voice Strategy for 2026 to 2029 was considered. Discussion focused on understanding why tenants might not engage, with findings indicating that door knocks and local drop-in sessions were the most valuable methods. The importance of removing barriers for all groups was highlighted, and the equality impact assessment was welcomed. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Pendlebury seconded, a resolution to endorse the Tenant Voice Strategy, note its strengthened alignment with the Transparency, Influence and Accountability (TIA) Standard, support the development of the annual Tenant Voice Delivery Plan, and endorse the expectation that all social housing services contribute to and record evidence of tenant engagement activity.

Community Asset Transfer

The Commission was presented with the council's position on discretionary community asset transfer and introduced to a draft policy. It was noted that a process for asset transfers was already in place, and several parish councils had made contact regarding such transfers, but the policy itself would be new. In response to a question about alignment with the new Hinckley Town Council, it was clarified that asset transfers are a normal part of establishing a parish council and would proceed accordingly. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Pendlebury seconded, a resolution to note the legal and strategic position, support the adoption of the Community Asset Transfer policy, endorse the consideration of Housing Revenue Account assets only in exceptional circumstances, recommend that future proposals be supported by clear decision criteria, appropriate governance, and pilot arrangements, and support the development of business case guidance for parishes and community organisations.

Scrutiny Review: Digital Poverty

Feedback from council services regarding digital access and available alternatives for residents was presented. Members were reassured that the council's approach remains digital by choice, meaning paper copies, face-to-face appointments, and cash payment options are still available. The ICT Digital Strategy is being refreshed, and the recycling of ICT equipment is under consideration. Concerns were raised about potential remoteness of services with the new unitary authority, and the importance of maintaining local access points was emphasised. A member highlighted the need for digital training and suggested that the Department for Work and Pensions should provide funding. Other points raised included the impact of digital poverty on young people, the council's potential role in coordinating resolutions for broadband issues, and the need for an update on Leicestershire County Council's rural broadband project. The list of services requiring alternative access methods was suggested to be expanded to include voter registration, postal vote applications, moving house, and council tax. The Commission felt that providing ICT equipment was a crucial role for the council in addressing digital poverty and suggested strengthening recommendation 2.2 to require a policy for recycling council ICT equipment if viable. Councillor Webber-Jones moved, and Councillor Surtees seconded, a resolution to note the feedback on service access, introduce a policy for recycling ICT equipment if viable, and endorse the use of the Digital Exclusion Network to support residents.

Minutes of Finance & Performance Scrutiny

The minutes of the Finance & Performance Scrutiny meeting held on 11 May were received.