The Resources and Governance Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to consider a range of important reports at its upcoming meeting. Key topics include the governance impact of a significant housing trust merger, updates on major regeneration programmes, and the financial implications of the council's capital investment programme.

Governance Impact of Southway Housing Trust & Wythenshawe Community Housing Group Merger

A report is expected to be presented detailing the merger between Southway Housing Trust and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG). The discussion is anticipated to cover the new governance arrangements, the ongoing relationship with Manchester City Council, and how the combined entity, Southway-Wythenshawe Housing (SWH), will contribute to the city's strategic objectives. The merger, which formally completes on 2nd November 2026, will create one of the largest social housing providers in the North of England, managing approximately 21,000 properties. The report is expected to highlight that the new organisation is anticipated to deliver significant efficiencies, forecast at over £5 million annually, which will be reinvested into services, existing stock, and the construction of new homes. SWH anticipates building around 3,250 homes over the next four years. The report is also expected to outline the development of a single draft Manchester allocations policy, which will be subject to formal consultation with tenants, residents, and applicants before implementation from 1st April 2027.

Governance and Funding Arrangements for Regeneration Programmes

The committee is expected to review the governance and funding arrangements for two key regeneration initiatives: the District Centres and Localities Regeneration Programme and the Pride in Place Programme (PiPP). The District Centres and Localities Regeneration Programme focuses on improving and regenerating Manchester's district centres, local centres, and high streets. Progress has been noted in areas like Gorton, Moston Lane, and Newton Heath, with further development planned for Harpurhey, Cheetham Hill, and Longsight. The Pride in Place Programme, a national initiative, is expected to see £19.6 million invested across five specific neighbourhoods identified as doubly disadvantaged. Local Neighbourhood Boards, comprising local residents, businesses, and community groups, are expected to shape how this funding is used to implement improvements. The report is expected to detail various funding streams for these programmes, including national grants, contributions from GMCA and Homes England, and Manchester City Council's own capital and revenue funding.

Update on the Our Town Hall Project

A progress update on the Our Town Hall project, the refurbishment and partial restoration of Manchester Town Hall and Albert Square, is scheduled for discussion. The report notes that construction works are planned to be completed by the end of May 2027, followed by a period of testing, orientation, and re-occupation leading up to the building's 150th anniversary celebrations. The project is expected to continue to operate within its approved budget, with completion anticipated within the overall capital allocation of £524 million. The report is expected to highlight the project's significant social value contributions, including a forecast Social Value Return on Investment (ROI) of £16.2 million, with substantial local spend and employment figures. Plans are also being developed for a celebratory cultural programme to engage residents and visitors around the building's reopening.

s106 Annual Report 2025/2026

The committee will receive the annual report on the Council's Section 106 (s106) activity for 2025/26 and to date. Section 106 agreements are legally binding contracts between the council and developers, often including obligations for work or payments to mitigate the impact of new developments. The report is expected to provide an update on planning application numbers, the number of s106 agreements signed, and contributions received and spent. It is also expected to detail the delivery of affordable housing, with 805 out of 901 affordable homes delivered in 2025/26 by Manchester Housing Provider Partnership (MHPP) partners. The report is also expected to address the committee's previous requests for benchmarking against other Core Cities and consideration of an insourcing option for viability assessments, concluding that direct comparison remains difficult due to differing local policies and site-specific negotiations.

Capital Investment Programme and Budget Process

An update on the current forecast spend and market conditions affecting the capital investment programme is expected to be presented. The report is expected to outline the council's capital programme, which includes over 350 projects across various disciplines, with a total forecast spend of £805.7 million. The programme is primarily funded by council resources, including capital receipts, revenue funding, and external borrowing. The report is expected to detail the current financing position, noting that the council has a significant Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) of £2.5 billion forecast by the end of 2026/27. Risks to the programme include potential increases in construction costs and interest rates. The report is also expected to outline the council's capital approval process, which involves a structured governance framework from initial proposal to final expenditure approval.

Overview Report

The committee will also receive an overview report containing a monitor of previous recommendations and the committee's work programme. This report is expected to include updates on the monitoring of recommendations made at previous meetings, such as the request for further information on the Council's talking therapy offer through the Employee Assistance Programme and the number of disciplinary cases upheld against Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) staff. The work programme for upcoming meetings, including discussions on the 2027/28 budget and the Housing Revenue Account, will also be presented.