Issue - meetings

This report sets out the outcome of a review of the governance arrangements for the Homes and Neighbourhoods service.  The proposal in the document builds on the work previously undertaken previously.  The key areas of update address areas emerging from our Risk Register and changes to our regulatory environment. 

Contact: Philip Jones, Service Director, Homes and Neighbourhood Tel: 01484 221000.

Councillor Moses Crook presented the agenda item, advising the Panel that the report provided an update on the Homes and Neighbourhoods Service governance review, setting out the outcomes of the recent assessment of the service’s governance arrangements. The report will progress to Cabinet in January 2026, and comments and input from the Scrutiny Panel are welcomed.

The Panel was informed that the update of the governance arrangements builds on the existing structures to reflect the changes in regulatory environment for social landlords, and also to reflect any response needed from the emerging risk register.  There was a planned name change for the Homes and Neighbourhoods Improvement Board, which, along with an updated terms of reference for that group, will better position this body to provide the ongoing assurance required to ensure continued compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing's consumer standards.

Councillor Crook explained that, in order to reflect the transition from responding to the regulatory notice to achieving compliance and progressing towards becoming an inspection?ready social landlord, amendments would be required at an appropriate point. The timing of this change would be delegated, given that the final date for the removal of the Notice to Improve has not yet been confirmed.

There is continued importance placed on the tenant led panel, this bridge between service and tenant voice will remain critical during the transition, not just for regulatory compliance but also to developing a relationship of increasing trust with tenants. There is a need to move from a position of simply regulatory compliance to one of increasing tenant satisfaction where tenants are happy and secure in their safe, warm and decent homes.

There are two new officer boards and an extended scope for the Transformation Board, to reflect additional layers of governance to enhance and accelerate the improvement journey.

In response to the information presented, the Panel asked a number of questions and made comments including some of the following:

-       With reference to section 2.15 of the report which refers to a ‘team led panel’ creating a two-way communication channel with the tenant base. How is that being undertaken?

-       Surveys are sent to council tenants, what is the return rate?

-       The report mentions a risk regarding data integrity management, security. How is data currently being managed within Homes and Neighbourhoods and what other specific issues have been identified as being a risk?  For example, gaps and knowledge regarding stock or keeping personal information secure, and how would the new governance arrangements address that?

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Member and Officer be thanked for providing an update on the Homes and Neighbourhoods Service Governance Review.