The Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 11 March 2026 focused on the Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process and an update on housing priorities. Key decisions included agreeing the final report and recommendations for the EHCP review, and noting the progress and challenges in housing, particularly concerning temporary accommodation and tenant satisfaction.

In-Depth Scrutiny Review: The Educational, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Process

The committee agreed to the final report and recommendations from their in-depth scrutiny review of the EHCP process. The review highlighted significant pressures on the service due to increased demand, complex needs, and staffing challenges. Key recommendations focus on improving communication, increasing face-to-face interaction, and enhancing co-production with parents. The committee also requested the Commissioning Director for Education to develop an action plan for implementing these recommendations, with an update report to be received in six months.

The review found that communication was a major source of frustration for parents, with difficulties in contacting the EHCP team and a lack of clear timelines. The report also noted that many parents felt unsupported in navigating the complex application process. The committee heard that the council is implementing a new Synergy Case Management system to improve tracking and communication, and is exploring technological solutions to manage case allocation. Recommendations also include establishing a tri-borough system for SEND to improve information sharing and collaboration with neighbouring boroughs, and grouping schools with named specialists to ensure accessibility to services like Occupational Therapists and Educational Psychologists. The committee was also informed about the government's SEND White Paper and its proposed reforms, which aim to integrate SEND support into mainstream education and provide new funding streams.

Housing Update on Priority 7 (Good Housing/Prevention of Homelessness)

The committee received an update on housing performance, covering temporary accommodation, rough sleeping, tenant satisfaction, and the condition of the local authority's housing stock. The report indicated considerable progress in some areas, while acknowledging challenges in others.

Tenant satisfaction, measured by the Regulator of Social Housing's Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs), has seen a reported increase to 62%, aligning with the London average. This improvement is attributed to a methodological change to telephone surveys, bringing the council in line with other London boroughs. While overall satisfaction is on par, specific areas like being kept informed and approach to handling anti-social behaviour are below the London average and are flagged for improvement. The report highlighted that satisfaction levels vary significantly by age, with older tenants generally more satisfied than younger ones. Satisfaction is also lower for residents in high-rise flats compared to those in houses.

Homelessness prevention performance remains strong, with targets being met. However, monthly figures for rough sleepers have edged upwards, with a notable increase in individuals with no recourse to public funds, who are the most challenging to accommodate. The new Housing Strategy aims to reduce rough sleeping to zero by 2031, with plans to implement a Housing First model in partnership with the YMCA.

Significant efforts have been made to reduce the number of families in Bed and Breakfast (B&B) accommodation for extended periods, with unlawful placements reduced to three by February. This was achieved through various initiatives, including enhancing payments for Private Sector Leased (PSL) properties, utilising nightly paid self-contained properties, and addressing repair backlogs in hostels. A strategy report on the future of temporary accommodation is due to be presented to Cabinet in April 2026.

The number of households on the housing register has increased, and a review of the allocations policy is underway to improve its effectiveness. The council is also enhancing its private rented sector licensing schemes, with a significant number of applications received and inspections being conducted. The Enforcement service has been strengthened to protect tenants' safety and health, raise property standards, and address overcrowding and anti-social behaviour.

Regarding the council's housing stock, 9.2% of homes were reported as failing to meet the Decent Homes standard as of January 2026. While this is disappointing against the 100% target, the figure has been stable, and a planned works programme is in place to address issues such as replacement windows and roofs. Building safety performance is being closely monitored, with ongoing dialogue with the Social Housing Regulator to ensure full compliance with all safety indicators.

The report also touched upon the significant reduction in the council's social housing stock over the past decade, largely due to demolitions and sales under the Right to Buy scheme. The council's aspiration for affordable housing development, with targets for social rent, was also discussed, with some members questioning if these aspirations were sufficiently ambitious.

Finally, the committee heard about the ongoing development of new Service Plans for 2026-27, which will incorporate stretch targets and new projects to enhance accountability across housing services. Proposals for reorganising the Housing service to create more specialisation and align with the new Neighbourhood Model are also being developed.