Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) is making significant strides in its compliance with the Building Safety Act, a critical focus for the organization. During a Housing, Economy and Business Committee meeting on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, councillors received a comprehensive update on SHP's Delivery Plan for 2026-2027, the final year of a three-year programme. This plan details SHP's strategy for managing homes, improving services, meeting regulatory requirements, and delivering value for money, all while aligning with the council's ambitions for quality and affordable housing.
Key actions include preparing for Phase Two of the Building Safety Act, which mandates strict timescales for responding to hazards. Steve Tucker from SHP confirmed that a senior manager has been appointed to lead this initiative, supported by a new case management system. He detailed that emergency situations must be addressed within 24 hours, with investigations and written summaries for tenants to follow within 10 working days. The potential application of sensors to monitor humidity and temperature levels was also mentioned.
Phase Two of the Building Safety Act, commencing in November, will encompass a broader range of hazards beyond damp and mold, including excess heat and cold, fire and electrical hazards, structural collapse and explosions, falls, and hygiene and sanitation risks. The strict response times also include a 12-week deadline for complex repairs.
Councillor Richard Choi inquired about the measures and resources in place to meet these high requirements. Tucker assured the committee that SHP is investing in preparing its repair service for the Building Safety Act, addressing disrepair claims, and undertaking digital transformation to enhance tenant services. A portion of the £2.6 million increase in SHP's budget is allocated to this digital transformation to enable tenants to do more online.
The performance plan includes new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to the Building Safety Act, income management, and safety remedial actions. Specifically, there are five new KPIs for Awaab's Law, two for income management, and three for safety-related remedial actions. Overall tenant satisfaction is also a key performance indicator.
Councillor Barry Lewis raised concerns about mitigating extreme heat in buildings, specifically mentioning Baleham House. Lynne Mora Blair acknowledged the discomfort experienced by tenants during heatwaves and outlined ongoing work, including the installation of sensors and commissioning expert proposals to reduce internal ambient temperatures and improve building resilience. Chaucer House, being a taller building, also tends to trap heat, and residents there have experienced challenges. A detailed review of tenant-raised issues, repair history, and capital investment is also underway.
New consumer standards require housing staff to have professional qualifications within three years. Part of the training for the team involves understanding the interaction of vulnerabilities with particular hazards being complained about.
Public reports pack 15th-Sep-2026 19.00 Housing Economy and Business Committee.pdf