The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss challenges facing the council's highways, the readiness for upcoming consumer standards inspections for housing, and to decide on a topic for an in-depth scrutiny review. The committee noted the report on highways challenges, requested an update on consumer standards inspection readiness, and agreed to conduct an in-depth review into Learning Disability and Autism services.

Highways Challenges

The committee received a presentation on the challenges facing the council's highways, which are managed under the Highways Act 1980. The report highlighted that the borough's public highway network, comprising roads, footpaths, bridges, and structures, is maintained by a team of 27 staff. Regular inspections ensure compliance with regulations, with principal road surveys conducted annually and borough roads and footways inspected on a two-year rolling basis.

Key challenges identified include a reduction in government funding, increased maintenance costs, the impact of climate change, and a rise in vehicle usage, particularly heavy vehicles. The committee was informed that income from Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) is ring-fenced and can be used to support highways. The council is exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency in highway inspections through geo-mapping.

Regarding the management of structures, the committee referred to the overline footbridge collapse in Kennedy Road in 2022. The Highways Service Lead clarified that this was a result of structural failure by Network Rail, who are responsible for the management and maintenance of such structures. The council's responsibility is to ensure safe public access. The council engages with Network Rail on the safety of overline footbridges and conducts inspections from a pedestrian passage viewpoint, passing findings to Network Rail.

The committee also discussed the sustainability of the council's financial responsibilities for highways, with the Director of Public Realm acknowledging that current approaches are not sustainable due to inflation and climate change. Figures for capital funding were clarified, with a £9.8m figure representing the council's contribution. The council is also re-evaluating its highway assets, with a report expected within the next financial year. The committee noted the report and requested an updated report on Highway Challenges in the coming year.

Consumer Standards, Inspection Readiness

The committee reviewed a report on the council's readiness for the upcoming Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) Consumer Standards Inspection. The RSH Consumer Standards framework ensures that services provided to residents are fair, safe, and meet their needs, holding the council accountable as a housing provider. The four RSH Consumer Standards are: Resident Involvement and Empowerment; Home; Tenancy; and Neighbourhood and Community.

The Strategic Director, Housing, Environment and Communities (HEC) advised that the inspection date is unconfirmed but the council will receive six weeks' notice. At the conclusion of the inspection, the council will receive a Regulatory Judgement and a Grade, ranging from C1 (fully compliant) to C4 (very serious failings). An internal SWOT analysis indicated the council is likely to meet compliance at a minimum level.

Concerns were raised about the number of legal disrepairs, with assurances given that there were none delayed. The council is working with the Barking and Dagenham Management Service (BDMS) to meet its Service Level Agreement (SLA) and maintain fewer than 3000 repair jobs. The financial cost of being inspection-ready was discussed, with the service primarily using in-house resources, though additional costs were associated with the Tenants Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) for community engagement strategies.

The potential repercussions of a poor regulatory judgement were discussed, with the Strategic Director HEC noting that most local authorities receive a C3 grade. A C4 grade would significantly damage the council's reputation, leading to regulators taking control of the service. The council is aiming for a C3 grade. Concerns were also raised about the council's shortfall in resident engagement and involvement. The Strategic Director explained that new aspiration targets have been set to improve resident engagement. The committee requested a further update on progress in quarter four of 2024/25.

In-Depth Scrutiny Review for the Municipal Year 2024/25

The committee was asked to select a topic for an in-depth scrutiny review for the municipal year 2024/25. Four options were presented: Investment and Acquisition Strategy; Spending levels in Adult and Children's care; Learning Disability and Autism; and Housing Inspection Readiness.

Following discussion, the committee agreed to hold the review on Learning Disability and Autism, citing it as a pressing issue for the council with high associated costs. A full scoping report for this review will be presented at the next meeting.

Work Programme

An Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) member requested that the work programme include an item on housing caretaking. The committee noted the Work Programme.