Members are reminded to consider the categories of interest in the Code of Conduct for Members to determine whether they have an interest in any agenda item and any action they should take. For further details, please see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

Members are reminded to declare the nature of the interest and the agenda item it relates to. Please note that ultimately it’s the Members’ responsibility to declare any interests and to update their register of interest form as required by the Code.

If in doubt as to the nature of your interest, you are advised to seek advice prior to the meeting by contacting the Monitoring Officer or Democratic Services

There were no declarations of pecuniary interests, however, Councillor James King declared he is a Tower Hamlets Homes Leaseholder and Councillor Abdul Mannan declared he is a Poplar Harca leaseholder.

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the meeting of the held on 19th October 2023.

The minutes of the Sub Committee meeting held on 19 October 2023 were approved and signed as a correct record of proceedings.

Paul Burgess, Strategy and Policy Officer, updated sub-committee members on the following;

·       Swan Housing Presentation: 360  Report – 16 February 2023 meeting. Swan Housing to submit their 360 Feedback Report. This report will now be submitted for the 29th February meeting.

·       THH Major Works Programme – 27 April 2023 meeting. A comprehensive report on THH Major Works Programme (with details on response times and general performance) This report will now be submitted for the 1st May  meeting.

Members raised concerns around an automated email which requested 2,200 residents change their login details within a limited timeframe. This was deemed unreasonable as repairs or rent concerns could not be raised by residents who missed the deadline. Consideration for residents to change login details should be given. Details will be forwarded to Karen Swift and the Chair outside of this meeting.

·       Estates ASB Report –– 27 April 2023 meeting. Details still pending.

·       Social Landlords Report – 27 April 2023 meeting. See item 4.1 for details on individual registered providers.

·       Request to increase Housing and Regenerations Scrutiny Sub-Committee meetings from 5 to 9. –11 September meeting. The Monitoring Officer circulated a briefing note to members which confirmed that due to resource issues the number of meetings could not be increased. However, Stephen Halsey, Chief Executive Officer, informed members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at the last meeting that this would be reviewed. Details are pending.

·       Fire Safety Database Update – 19 October meeting. Karen Swift, Director of Housing, circulated details to sub-committee members outside of that meeting.

·       Poplar Harca and THCH Potential Merger – 19 October meeting. Andrea Baker, Chair of Tower Hamlet Housing Forum (THHF) informed members that both Poplar Harca and Tower Hamlets Community Homes (THCH) have met, consulted with respective residents, received feedback and at present a merger is likely to take place. If it does, the aim for legal completion will be for April 2024. Further details cannot be disclosed at this time due to ongoing discussions.

Members initially requested a vote to bring the discussion to the next meeting scheduled for 29 February. Ms Baker informed them  that any agreed merger would not be held in this financial year. Therefore, on a vote of 4 to 3, Members approved to bring the discussion back to the sub-committee for the 1st May  meeting.

RESOLVED that;

1.    Details on the THH automated email will be forwarded by members to Karen Swift and the Chair outside of this meeting.

2.    Members to discuss  the potential merger of Poplar Harca and THCH for 1st May 2024 meeting.

TO FOLLOW

Shalim Uddin, Partnerships Officer, Strategy and Policy, introduced the performance report for quarters 1 and 2 for Registered Providers (RPs). This included a summary of the key strengths, challenges and general updates reflected in the report.

Further to  questions from the sub-committee, Shalim Uddin, Karen Swift, Councillor Kabir Ahmed and Andrea Baker;

·       Clarified that the council does not regulate the RP’s, although they are all now required to generate tenant satisfaction data to the Regulator of Social Housing in the same manner. Any concerns raised by Members in regard to KPI’s will be circulated back to the RP’s.

·       Confirmed that the number of vacant units in Bentworth Court, are due to a fire which took place in June. Asbestos was also found in some units following the incident, which has now been rectified. There are five flats currently vacant.

·       Clarified that there are currently 11,000 vacant units in stock throughout the borough. Malting House and Brewster House are still voided properties. Further details will be brought back to the sub-committee.

·       Explained that the Lead Member is expected to attend scrutiny meetings rather than the Mayor, although he has attended both sub-committee and Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings in the past. Members can contact Cllr Kabir Ahmed outside of this meeting if they require further details.

Sub-committee members were extremely sceptical of the performance data received from all but one RP, Peabody, and voiced major concerns that representatives have not attended sub-committee meetings to discuss performance issues raised by residents. Details on individual response times and actual tenant satisfaction are missing, which are required for scrutiny.

Paul Burgess informed Members that the remit of the sub-committee does allow for an additional challenge session, which could be utilised to invite RP’s to discuss issues raised at this meeting. The Chair approved and Shalim Uddin will invite RP’s once a date is confirmed in spring 2024.

RESOLVED that;

1.    Additional information on Malting House and Brewster House's properties to be provided for circulation to members.

2.    The report be noted.

Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Inclusive Development and Housebuilding, presented the council's review of homelessness and rough sleeping in the borough following the Homelessness Act 2002.

Details of the strategy to combat homelessness, the boroughs homelessness levels, prevention measures and support and allocated resources were outlined. The review findings, support needs and legislation to give assistance to those at risk were noted, as were details of the operational challenges, housing stock shortages and lack of affordable properties in the borough.

Sub-committee members were reminded of the Renters Reform Bill 2023, which terminates the section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction, and concerns made as proposed court reforms  are yet to be addressed by the government. Approval was sought from Mayor Rahman at MAB on 06 December on recommended priorities, and a consultation with residents and stakeholders is scheduled for   February 2024. The feedback obtained will develop the Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy for Tower Hamlets.

Further to  questions from the sub-committee, Councillor Kabir Ahmed, Karen Swift and Riad Akbur, Service Manager, Homelessness;

·       Clarified that the priorities include preventing homelessness through early detection and reducing the need for temporary accommodation with quality housing options. Other priorities include improving the customer journey and supporting staff’s wellbeing.

·       Conceded that housing appointments can take time which can be disheartening to those facing eviction. Residents are assured that in most cases they may not have to vacate on the date specified by the landlord and are always notified of their tenant rights, All efforts are made to keep them in the property and they are encouraged to contact the housing team if they require further reassurance.

·       Confirmed that there are two modular home sites for temporary accommodation in the borough, Landon Walk and Candy Street. Due to minor faults with some of the units whilst in transit, repairs are currently being rectified. Once completed the units will be ready for residents.

·       Clarified that a number of residents recently moved into a property in Lewisham which will house approximately 120 families.

·       Explained that a review of the placement policy, which outlines how temporary and private rented accommodation is allocated, is being conducted and will emphasise geographical areas rather than distance. All efforts are made to keep residents within the borough and around 50% do. The remainder are placed in neighbouring areas where possible.

·       Confirmed that caseworkers are allocated to residents in temporary accommodation to advise them with rent, repair or GP registration assistance. Consideration will be given to ensure caseworkers are more proactive with residents in terms of home visits. 

·       Clarified that under the ‘Accelerated Possession Procedure’, whereby a landlord requests a possession order without a hearing, housing officers will assist in completing tenants defence forms and submit applications to rent tribunals on their behalf. In some cases, they will undertake criminal investigations on landlords for rent  increases above market levels.

·       Noted that landlord harassment is a criminal offence and  if  locks are altered without notice and the tenancy not reinstated, landlords are informed that an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.2

The Chair reminded the sub-committee of the Member Relations Protocol  and Councillor expectations at meetings. Individual party rhetoric must not be included and instructions were made to adhere to the code at all times when addressing fellow Councillors.