Brent Council has established a new Homes Scrutiny Committee to provide dedicated oversight of the borough's housing functions, a move prompted by serious failings identified by the Regulator of Social Housing.
The committee, approved during a full council meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026, will comprise nine councillors and four non-voting co-opted members. This includes an independent member of the Housing Management Advisory Board, a council housing tenant representative, a leaseholder representative, and a registered provider representative. The tenant and leaseholder representatives will be appointed by Full Council following a competitive recruitment process overseen by a panel of committee members and officers.
The establishment of the committee is in response to a C3 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing, which identified serious failings in housing management, particularly around compliance data and safety reporting.
While the department has outlined significant progress, including completing high-risk fire safety actions and rebuilding compliance systems, concerns remain about data reliability, organisational culture, and tenant confidence. The committee will also review rising pressures in homelessness and temporary accommodation, noting a significant increase in demand and the associated financial and social challenges.
The committee's remit will encompass a wide range of housing-related matters, including housing needs and support, homelessness, temporary accommodation, tenancy sustainment, and new council housing delivery. Its specific powers and responsibilities extend beyond 'dedicated oversight' to include the statutory scrutiny function of all the Council's housing functions. Key objectives include scrutinising the development and implementation of housing and homelessness strategies, monitoring the performance and effectiveness of housing and homelessness services, and reviewing the Council's compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.
Furthermore, the committee will examine outcomes for residents, tenants, leaseholders, rough sleepers, and vulnerable households, ensuring their voices and experiences inform policy development and service delivery. Findings and recommendations will be formally integrated into council decision-making processes, with the committee making reports or recommendations to Full Council or the Cabinet regarding the discharge of executive functions.
Councillor Muhammed Butt, Leader of the Council, highlighted that the constitutional changes were practical and proportionate, reflecting the borough's current political composition and the need for refined governance arrangements. The new committee structure is intended to ensure that housing matters receive the dedicated attention they require, with the aim of improving services and outcomes for residents.
The committee will meet five times in each municipal year. The work programme for the 2026/27 municipal year will be provided as part of the next update report to Full Council.
The constitutional changes, including the establishment of the Homes Scrutiny Committee, were agreed upon during the same meeting and came into effect immediately. The chair and vice-chair of the Homes Scrutiny Committee will also be appointed by Full Council at this meeting under the standing agenda item of Appointments.
