The Housing and Inclusive Economy Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss the strategy for re-procuring the council's housing repairs service and to review the committee's forward plan. The meeting also included the approval of minutes from previous meetings and an opportunity for public participation.

Housing Repairs Service Procurement Strategy

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to focus on the Housing Repairs Service Procurement Strategy. This strategy outlines the council's approach to re-tendering contracts for repairs services, which are currently provided by Aston Group and Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS). Both contracts are due to end on 31 March 2027.

The report pack indicated that the proposed strategy involves retaining a two-partnering contract model but with several changes to the scope of services. These changes aim to reduce contractor overheads, increase competition, improve operational resilience, and provide opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Some services are proposed to be procured directly from specialist consultants or contractors, and certain services will be procured through both partnering contracts to enhance flexibility.

Key proposed changes to the contract terms include:

• Adjustments to contract durations, with the M&E contract moving to three five-yearly terms and the general repairs contract to three terms of six, five, and five years.
• The introduction of new performance Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), focusing on areas such as the 28-day Tenant Satisfaction Measure, damp and mould compliance (to align with Awaabs Law), aged Work In Progress cases, legal disrepair cases, and customer satisfaction.
• A change in the pricing model for the general repairs contract from the current Price Per Property (PPP) model to a more flexible approach.
• Provisions to commercially incentivise good performance through financial penalties and additional profit, targeting high-priority KPIs and high service risk areas.

The report pack also detailed resident engagement activities undertaken, including consultations and resident workshops. A resident steering group is planned to provide strategic input throughout the project lifecycle. The strategy aims to support the council's Housing Strategy 2024–2029 and align with Mission Waltham Forest objectives, including tackling the housing crisis and working towards net zero.

The report pack included an Equalities Impact Assessment (EqIA) screening, which concluded that the strategy was expected to have a positive impact on tenants, particularly older people, children, those with disabilities, and residents from global majority groups, due to anticipated improvements in safety, quality, and energy efficiency. The screening also noted that residents would be engaged throughout the tender process.

The Scrutiny Report

The committee was also scheduled to review The Scrutiny Report, which would have provided an update on the committee's forward plan for the upcoming municipal year. As this was the final meeting of the current municipal year, members were invited to make suggestions for items to be included in the 2026-27 work programme. The report also covered the Action Tracker, which details actions required of officers from previous meetings, and the Recommendation Tracker, which captures conclusions on how services could be improved. Additionally, the report would have highlighted key decisions falling under the committee's remit that were scheduled to be taken by the Cabinet.

The forward plan itself outlined several items for future scrutiny, including updates on the Social Housing Regulation, the Housing Compact, Temporary Accommodation Strategy, and the Housing Asset Management Strategy. Specific items for future consideration included the Acquisition of Social Rent Homes at Fellowship Square and the Reprocurement Strategy and Tendering Proposals for the Housing Repairs & Maintenance and Mechanical & Electrical Contracts.