The Housing, Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel met to review the council's financial performance, discuss the Housing Revenue Account business plan and budget for 2026/27, and examine key performance indicators for the housing service. The panel also reviewed the council's work programme.

KPI Update

The panel was scheduled to receive an update on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) relating to the Housing Service. The provided documentation highlighted several areas of concern, including satisfaction with last repairs, first-time fix rates, and void property turnaround times, all of which were below target. Emergency repairs also dipped below the target, and rent collection for temporary accommodation, while improving, remained below target. A delay in loading tenancy audits onto the NEC system had impacted performance in that area. Conversely, gas compliance, asbestos re-inspections, and water risk assessments were reported as being at 100% compliance. Leaseholder service charge collection had increased significantly and was above target, as were estate grades. Communal fire points health and safety checks for supported housing also maintained 100% compliance.

Finance Update - Q2 2025/26

A report was scheduled for discussion detailing the council's financial position at the second quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. This report, originally presented to the Cabinet on 9 December 2025, was being considered by the panel as part of the council's quarterly finance and performance monitoring approach. The panel was asked to review the aspects of the budget relevant to its remit, focusing on areas of significant overspend and the delivery of savings that were rated as red or amber. The report indicated an overall General Fund forecast overspend of £23.4m, an improvement from the previous quarter, but still requiring an additional £37m of budgeted spend funded from Exceptional Financial Support (EFS). The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was projected to have an underspend of £514,000, driven by mitigation actions and staffing vacancies, though pressures from rising repair costs and potential future damp and mould casework were noted.

Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and Budget 2026/27

The panel was scheduled to receive and make recommendations on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan and Budget for 2026/27. This plan outlines the council's aims and ambitions for its housing stock over the medium and long term, including investment in existing homes, the delivery of new council homes, and the provision of services to tenants and leaseholders. The report detailed proposed rent increases for 2026/27, based on CPI plus 1%, and outlined proposed service charges. The plan also included a significant capital investment programme, with projected spending on major works, fire safety, carbon reduction, and new homes. The financial sustainability of the HRA was a key consideration, with a focus on managing risks such as inflation, interest rates, and the capacity for building. The report also touched upon the potential impact of government announcements regarding rent convergence and the social housing rent settlement.

Work Programme Update

The panel was scheduled to note the current work programme. This included ongoing scrutiny review projects and one-off items to be addressed at scheduled meetings. The work plan indicated a focus on areas such as Temporary Accommodation placements and discharge of duty policies, as well as updates on the Local Plan, housing adaptations, and housing service performance.

Cabinet Member Questions - Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Local Economy

A verbal update was scheduled from the Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Local Economy.

Minutes

The panel was also scheduled to approve the minutes of its previous meeting.