Agenda and draft minutes

Link to further information in the Council’s Constitution

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 April 2025 were agreed as a true record and were signed by the Chair.

The Head of Environment and Communities provided a verbal update in relation to the actions raised at the Communities Scrutiny Group meeting on 3 April 2025.

The Strategic Housing Manager welcomed the Scrutiny Request that had been submitted by Councillor Upton, Cabinet Member and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing and the recent feedback from Councillors that had highlighted some of the concerns raised by residents in respect of the service and performance provided by Metropolitan Trent Valley Housing. 

The Strategic Housing Manager explained that representatives from Metropolitan Trent Valley Housing (MTVH) had been invited this evening to address some of the concerns that have been raised and to provide members with a greater understanding of the services MTVH provide within Rushcliffe.

Mr Andrew Reston – Director for MTVH Midlands Supported Housing introduced the Rushcliffe Local Team and highlighted their wealth of experience working within the affordable housing sector as follows:

·       Ms Kelly Fox – Head of Housing – Midlands Housing Team,

·       Ms Nichola Raffell – Head of Home Ownership Operations – Midlands Home Ownership Team

Mr Reston and his Team delivered a presentation and an overview of MTVH in relation to Rushcliffe.

Mr Reston advised the Group that MTVH is a national organisation with approximately 57,000 properties across London and the Midlands, with c4,000 properties within Rushcliffe. 

The Group noted the recent feedback from the Regulator of Social Housing inspection that awarded MTVH V2 for Financial Viability, C2 for Consumer and G2 for Governance (1 being the highest award and 3 the lowest).

Mr Reston explained that feedback from the inspection had been valuable and MTVH had already taken action to continue to improve its business performance and operational efficiency. The Group were asked to note MTVH’s most recent end of year financial position, including a total revenue increase to £454m compared to the previous year of £423m, residents being £3.4m better off due to MTVH money advice service and 544 new homes being built.

Councillor Soloman asked where, in relation to Rushcliffe were the new affordable houses being built. Ms Raffell advised that these were located in East Leake, Edwalton and Cotgrave. However, Ms Raffell highlighted that S106 development had stalled in recent times which is a challenge for all affordable housing providers.

Councillor Grocock and Councillor Barney asked whether it would be helpful for Councillors to know where the stock of social housing is within the Borough and whether more detail on the demographics of properties by ward could be provided.

Ms Fox highlighted MTVH’s customer satisfaction in respect of Rushcliffe residents and explained to the Group that this was a snapshot and clearly shows that residents are generally happy with the services and support MTVH offer compared to other areas. With regards to complaints these were broken down into themes for the Group to consider, including anti-social behaviour, service delivery, missed appointments and incomplete work.

With regards to community safety and anti-social behaviour, Ms Fox explained that MTVH have adopted a joint agency approach with Police, Social and Mental Health Care or a more formal route, thus providing early intervention, support and mediation.

With regards to repairs and property repairs for 2024/25  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

Report of the Director – Finance and Corporate Services

The Chair advised the Group that the work programme was light of items to be scrutinised and encouraged members to submit new items via the Council’s Scrutiny Request form.

It was RESOLVED that the Communities Scrutiny Group approved the Work Programme as set out below:

16 October 2025

·       Flood Risk Update

·       Work Programme

22 January 2026

·       Work Programme

2 April 2026

·       Carbon Management Plan Update

·       Work Programme

Actions – 24 July 2025