The Housing Select Committee is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, to review reports concerning the council's financial future and its performance as a social housing landlord. The committee's agenda includes discussions on proposed budget reductions for 2027/28, an overview of landlord performance and tenant satisfaction measures for 2025-26, and the committee's own work programme.

2027/28 Budget Reductions Reports

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to reviewing proposed budget reductions for the 2027/28 financial year. The reports outline the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), which identified a need to make savings of £64.469 million over the four-year period from 2027/28 to 2030/31. The council is currently forecasting a gross overspend of £9.9 million for the 2026/27 financial year.

The reports detail initiatives totalling £40 million that were identified to support the next two years, with £16.888 million in savings identified for 2027/28 and £11.784 million for 2028/29 and 2029/30. These proposals are categorised into themes such as service re-design, demand management and prevention, invest to save, income generation, and service impact. The committee is asked to review specific proformas for savings within its remit, including proposal HSG-01, which relates to a reduction in temporary accommodation costs. The reports also highlight that the identified proposals do not fully meet the budget gap, and officers will continue to work on new proposals totalling at least £30 million.

Landlord Performance and Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs)

The committee will receive an overview of Lewisham Council's performance as a social housing landlord for the financial year 2025-26. This report addresses performance against the Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs), the improvement journey undertaken by the Housing Directorate, and compliance with the Consumer Standards for Social Housing.

The report indicates strong performance in statutory safety compliance, with 100% completion rates for asbestos management surveys, Legionella risk assessments, and Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs). Gas safety compliance was 99.4%, and communal passenger lift safety inspections stood at 91.3%. However, performance in non-emergency responsive repairs was 66% completed on time, below the London median of 86%. The proportion of homes not meeting the Decent Homes Standard improved to 15.1%, equating to 1,804 non-decent properties.

Tenant satisfaction levels remained broadly stable at 52% overall. While satisfaction with landlord communication and the repairs service saw modest increases, areas such as complaints handling (26% satisfaction) and listening to tenants' views remain below expectations. The report notes variations in satisfaction across different resident groups, with older residents generally reporting higher satisfaction than younger age groups, and male residents reporting higher satisfaction than female residents.

The report also details the council's improvement journey following a self-referral to the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) in December 2023. This has led to a transformation programme addressing non-decent homes, overdue fire remedial actions, and works in progress (WIP) within the repairs service. Progress has been made in reducing non-decent homes and WIP, but reducing overdue fire remedial actions remains a priority.

Select Committee Work Programme

The committee will review its work programme for 2026-27. This includes considering the implications of the Renters' Rights Act 2025, progress on Awaab's Law concerning damp and mould, learning from complaints, and pre-decision scrutiny of the council's draft budget proposals. The committee will also review its landlord performance and asset management, as well as updates on licensing and the private rented sector. Future topics for discussion include temporary accommodation and homelessness, empty homes, and the Brockley PFI properties returning to council management. The committee will also consider the Housing Allocation Policy and its review in March 2027.

The committee is asked to review the work programme, specify any additional information required for upcoming items, and consider any items from the forward plan of key decisions that may warrant further scrutiny.