The Housing Select Committee meeting included five items for discussion. These were the Housing Stock Condition Survey, the draft Resident Engagement Strategy and Framework, a report on Temporary Accommodation Supply, the Select Committee Work Programme and the minutes of the previous meeting.

Housing Stock Condition Survey

A presentation on the progress of the Housing Stock Condition Survey 2024-2025. This was to include how the housing service was utilising the results of the survey to support compliance and regulation requirements, increase the % of homes which achieve the Decent Homes Standard, and influence the investment plan including the 2025/2026 capital programme, the 5-year Medium Term Financial Plan and 30-year Housing Revenue Account business plan.

The presentation was to be given by Kemi Ojutalayo, the Head of Service for Strategic Investment and Asset Management, and Chris Brown, the Director of Housing Quality & Investment.

Resident engagement strategy and framework for Lewisham Council housing residents (2024-2028)

A report was provided that summarised the consultation feedback from residents on a draft Resident Engagement Strategy and Framework. The report included a summary of the feedback received during the consultation process, a calendar of engagement events planned for 2025, and an Equalities Analysis Assessment (EAA). The Committee was asked to review and comment on the proposed new resident engagement strategy and framework, ahead of its approval by the Mayor and Cabinet in March 2025.

Temporary Accommodation Supply and Pressures, and Renters Rights Bill

A report provided an update on the Temporary Accommodation service, setting out the context in which the service was operating, and the supply challenges faced. It included details on the measures being taken by the Council to address these challenges. It also provided a briefing on the Renters’ Rights Bill, scheduled to become law in summer 2025, which will abolish Section 21 evictions.

Select Committee Work Programme Report

A report provided an update on the Committee's work programme including the items scheduled for the next meeting. It included an overview of scrutiny activity that had taken place between the last committee meeting on the 21st of November 2024 and the committee meeting on the 14th of January 2025. It also provided details of the Forward Plan of Key Decisions from December 2024 to March 2025.

Minutes of the meeting held on 21 November 2024

The minutes of the previous Housing Select Committee meeting, that had taken place on the 21st of November 2024, were provided.