Issue - meetings

To provide Cabinet with an update on progress made towards meeting the outcomes of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, including revised consumer standards (report of the Service Director – Housing enclosed).

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Director – Housing which provided Cabinet with an update on progress made towards meeting the outcomes of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, including revised consumer standards.

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing presented the quarterly report providing Cabinet with an update on progress against the requirements of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and the Consumer Standards following the Council’s C2 Regulatory Judgement in July 2025.

Cabinet was advised that the report demonstrated continued improvement and provided assurance that the weaknesses identified by the Regulator were being actively addressed.

The Portfolio Holder highlighted the key progress made to date, including delivery of the improvement plan, with 94.22% of stock condition surveys completed and the resulting data being used to inform investment decisions and service planning.

Members were informed of strengthened tenant engagement and governance arrangements, including the establishment of the Tenant Influence Panel and increased tenant involvement in policy development and service design.

The report also highlighted service improvements across key areas, including anti-social behaviour, repairs and complaints handling, together with enhanced transparency through regular performance reporting and tenant satisfaction measures.

The Portfolio Holder further advised that, in view of the progress achieved, it was proposed that future progress reports be submitted to Cabinet on a six-monthly basis rather than quarterly, allowing continued focus on delivery while maintaining appropriate oversight.

During discussion, Members welcomed the reported progress and noted with satisfaction the completion of 94.22% of stock condition surveys. Whilst recognising this as a significant achievement, Members expressed interest in seeing the programme progress further towards full completion.

In response to questions regarding tenant engagement, Cabinet was advised that momentum continued to build following the appointment of two new Tenant Engagement Officers. It was reported that a further 14 tenants had recently joined the Tenant Influence Panel and that those involved were actively contributing to policy reviews and service improvements.

Members were informed that tenants were increasingly engaged because they could see tangible changes resulting from their feedback, giving them confidence that their views were being listened to and acted upon.

Cabinet welcomed the growing levels of tenant participation and thanked tenants for their ongoing involvement and commitment. Members recognised that meaningful tenant engagement was fundamental to improving housing services and ensuring that residents could influence decisions affecting them.

In response to a question regarding engagement with tenants living in more isolated areas, Cabinet was advised that engagement activity was not solely focused on community hubs or larger centres. Housing Officers, Cost of Living Officers and Sheltered Housing staff were all actively promoting opportunities for involvement through their regular contact with residents. In addition, Engagement Officers were undertaking outreach work across the district and organising meetings which were publicised widely to encourage participation from all geographical areas. Cabinet was assured that efforts were being made to ensure that tenants from across the district had opportunities to engage and contribute.

DECISION:

1.     That Cabinet notes the progress made in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9