Gosport Borough Council
Councillors:
27
Wards:
14
Committees:
10
Meetings (2026):
59
Meetings (2025):
50
Meeting
Housing Board - Gosport
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
6:00 PM
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
6:00 PM
End:
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
10:00 PM
Tuesday, 20th January 2026
10:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
20 Jan 2026
20 Jan 2026
Location:
Council Chamber
Council Chamber
Meeting Attendees
Chairman
Councillor Ms Sue Ballard
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor David Herridge
Present, as expected
Vice-Chair
Councillor Jamie Hutchison
Apologies, sent representative
Agenda
1
APOLOGIES FOR NON ATTENDANCE
Minutes
Apologies for non attendance were received from Councillor Hutchison who was substituted by Councillor Chegwyn
2
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
All members are required to disclose at this point in the meeting or as soon as possible thereafter, any disclosable pecuniary interest or personal interest in any item(s) being considered at this meeting.
Minutes
There were none
3
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING OF THE HOUSING BOARD HELD 19 November 2025
Attachments:
- Document Minutes Public Pack, 19/11/2025 Housing Board 12 Jan 2026
Minutes
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2025 were signed as a true and correct record.
4
DEPUTATIONS - STANDING ORDER 3.4
(NOTE: The Board is required to receive a deputation(s) on a matter which is before the meeting of the Board provided that notice of the intended deputation and its object shall have been received by the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on Friday 16 January 2026. The total time for deputations in favour and against a proposal shall not exceed 10 minutes)
Minutes
There were none
5
PUBLIC QUESTIONS
(NOTE: The Board is required to allow a total of 15 minutes for questions from Members of the public on matters within the terms of reference of the Board provided that notice of such Question(s) shall have been submitted to the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on Friday 16 January 2026)
Minutes
A question in the name of Mr. Vic Woods.
With the 17 December 2025 report by the Regulator of Social Housing in mind, where Gosport Borough Council received an embarrassing C4 rating highlighting 'very serious failings in the landlord delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards' outlining extremely worrying instances of building and fire safety, no documentation of condition emanating from shortcomings in relation to the Safety and Quality Standard requiring significant improvements needed to deliver the required outcomes under the Neighbourhood and Community Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard, will the Chair and Vice Chair of the Housing Board both offer their immediate resignation given their party have had almost four years to put this right, yet have failed tenants in doing so and put their lives at risk?"
Answer:
These failings did not arise overnight. They are long-standing, systemic issues, many of which originate from as far back as 2012 or 5 years or more under the previous Conservative administration. We have not had four years to resolve them. They only came to light at the end of 2025. This was following the Regulators identification of historic data that was held within partner services. What is now clear is that the work required to address these issues was neither adequately planned nor properly delivered at that time.
That is why we are now bringing all housing data and systems back in-house, placing them under strong governance arrangements and robust oversight.
While we cannot change what has already happened, the judgement and grading represent a point in time. The council is fully committed to improving its performance against the outcomes of the consumer standards. We are taking a co-regulatory approach with the Regulator of Social Housing.
We have written to every single tenant (that’s over 3000 properties). We set out the Regulators findings along with our action plan. Our nominated officer has received just 12 responses to date. Three of those 12 responses were positive about the housing service. This is reflective of the 85% of tenants who completed our annual survey to say they were satisfied with the housing service we provide.
My focus is on fixing the problems, not stepping away from them. Accountability means being open about what has gone wrong and being willing to be challenged.
Our tenants want action. They want the serious failings identified to be addressed, and that is exactly what we are committed to doing.
This evening, a full report will be presented to the Housing Board, setting out the Regulator’s findings alongside a clear, deliverable action plan.
Tonight, we are committing a further £2.2 million to increase capacity, drive improvement, and address the most urgent remedial works. This includes completing electrical checks & installations and fire remedial works. We are providing the actions and resources needed to support the council’s journey to full compliance.
With the 17 December 2025 report by the Regulator of Social Housing in mind, where Gosport Borough Council received an embarrassing C4 rating highlighting 'very serious failings in the landlord delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards' outlining extremely worrying instances of building and fire safety, no documentation of condition emanating from shortcomings in relation to the Safety and Quality Standard requiring significant improvements needed to deliver the required outcomes under the Neighbourhood and Community Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard, will the Chair and Vice Chair of the Housing Board both offer their immediate resignation given their party have had almost four years to put this right, yet have failed tenants in doing so and put their lives at risk?"
Answer:
These failings did not arise overnight. They are long-standing, systemic issues, many of which originate from as far back as 2012 or 5 years or more under the previous Conservative administration. We have not had four years to resolve them. They only came to light at the end of 2025. This was following the Regulators identification of historic data that was held within partner services. What is now clear is that the work required to address these issues was neither adequately planned nor properly delivered at that time.
That is why we are now bringing all housing data and systems back in-house, placing them under strong governance arrangements and robust oversight.
While we cannot change what has already happened, the judgement and grading represent a point in time. The council is fully committed to improving its performance against the outcomes of the consumer standards. We are taking a co-regulatory approach with the Regulator of Social Housing.
We have written to every single tenant (that’s over 3000 properties). We set out the Regulators findings along with our action plan. Our nominated officer has received just 12 responses to date. Three of those 12 responses were positive about the housing service. This is reflective of the 85% of tenants who completed our annual survey to say they were satisfied with the housing service we provide.
My focus is on fixing the problems, not stepping away from them. Accountability means being open about what has gone wrong and being willing to be challenged.
Our tenants want action. They want the serious failings identified to be addressed, and that is exactly what we are committed to doing.
This evening, a full report will be presented to the Housing Board, setting out the Regulator’s findings alongside a clear, deliverable action plan.
Tonight, we are committing a further £2.2 million to increase capacity, drive improvement, and address the most urgent remedial works. This includes completing electrical checks & installations and fire remedial works. We are providing the actions and resources needed to support the council’s journey to full compliance.
6
Business Plan Financial Model Update and Council Dwelling Rents 2026/27
This report considers the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan Financial Model including the revised 2025/26 budget and the 2026/27 budget including recommendations on rent levels for next year.
If approved, this will be presented at Full Council as part of the Council’s overall budget report.
It also provides updates for members on the latest information with regard to policy changes that impact directly on local authority housing finance services.
If approved, this will be presented at Full Council as part of the Council’s overall budget report.
It also provides updates for members on the latest information with regard to policy changes that impact directly on local authority housing finance services.
Attachments:
- Document Business Plan update 26-27 (008) 12 Jan 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report by the Borough Treasurer and Head of Housing considering the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan Financial Model including the revised 2025/26 budget and the 2026/27 budget including recommendations on rent levels for next year.
The officers introduced the report by advising that they wished to include an additional recommendation that would address the funding needs to support the development of the Comprehensive Improvement Plan arising from the Social Regulators recommendations.
Members raised the issue of how could they agree this additional recommendation before discussing the report laying out the need for the funding. It was suggested that they could endorse the recommendations subject to agreement and acceptance of the report at item 7.
In answer to Members questions, officers explained that over 60% of GBC tenants receive some sort of benefit to assist in the paying of their rent and there have been increases in help for tenants detailed in the Autumn statement. The Head of Housing advised that the issues of repair timescales and the funding of temporary posts would be dealt with under agenda item 7.
The Head of Housing agreed that there was not much difference in the rents of flats and houses. They advised that the service charges are usually higher with flats and our rents are set in line with the Government format. Tenants were still not being charged at full maximum, and compare favourable with Housing Associations and private rentals. It was felt that rents had never caught up from the rent freeze between 2016 & 2020.
The Group Accountant explained that the figures shown in red in the appendix are income and therefore showed a surplus.
RESOLVED: That the Housing Board recommends to Full Council that:
i)Council Dwelling rents increase by CPI + 1% (4.8%) as set out in the Social Housing rent guidance.
ii) The revised HRA Business Plan Financial Model extract (Appendix A) and associated 2025/26 revised budget and 2026/27 Budget (Appendix B) is agreed.
iii) Service charges increase on average by £0.34 per week.
iv) The rent for all garages increases in line with inflation as agreed in the garage renewal strategy.
v) The Council be allowed to move towards formula rents once the rent convergence policy has been issued. (Para 1.5).
vi) the Board endorses the additional costs of £625,000 for expert consultancy and additional temporary staff to support the development of the Comprehensive Improvement Plan arising from the Social Regulators recommendations and that this be added to the recommended Budget for 2026/27 at Appendix B and funded from the New Build Reserve.
The officers introduced the report by advising that they wished to include an additional recommendation that would address the funding needs to support the development of the Comprehensive Improvement Plan arising from the Social Regulators recommendations.
Members raised the issue of how could they agree this additional recommendation before discussing the report laying out the need for the funding. It was suggested that they could endorse the recommendations subject to agreement and acceptance of the report at item 7.
In answer to Members questions, officers explained that over 60% of GBC tenants receive some sort of benefit to assist in the paying of their rent and there have been increases in help for tenants detailed in the Autumn statement. The Head of Housing advised that the issues of repair timescales and the funding of temporary posts would be dealt with under agenda item 7.
The Head of Housing agreed that there was not much difference in the rents of flats and houses. They advised that the service charges are usually higher with flats and our rents are set in line with the Government format. Tenants were still not being charged at full maximum, and compare favourable with Housing Associations and private rentals. It was felt that rents had never caught up from the rent freeze between 2016 & 2020.
The Group Accountant explained that the figures shown in red in the appendix are income and therefore showed a surplus.
RESOLVED: That the Housing Board recommends to Full Council that:
i)Council Dwelling rents increase by CPI + 1% (4.8%) as set out in the Social Housing rent guidance.
ii) The revised HRA Business Plan Financial Model extract (Appendix A) and associated 2025/26 revised budget and 2026/27 Budget (Appendix B) is agreed.
iii) Service charges increase on average by £0.34 per week.
iv) The rent for all garages increases in line with inflation as agreed in the garage renewal strategy.
v) The Council be allowed to move towards formula rents once the rent convergence policy has been issued. (Para 1.5).
vi) the Board endorses the additional costs of £625,000 for expert consultancy and additional temporary staff to support the development of the Comprehensive Improvement Plan arising from the Social Regulators recommendations and that this be added to the recommended Budget for 2026/27 at Appendix B and funded from the New Build Reserve.
7
Regulator of Social Housing Judgement and Grading
To update Board on the outcome of the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) inspection.
To acknowledge the very serious failings identified; outline the initial response and actions to be taken to address those failings, including additional financial resource.
To highlight the seriousness of the judgement and grading and the proposed immediate next steps and the resources required to develop a Comprehensive Improvement Plan.
To acknowledge the very serious failings identified; outline the initial response and actions to be taken to address those failings, including additional financial resource.
To highlight the seriousness of the judgement and grading and the proposed immediate next steps and the resources required to develop a Comprehensive Improvement Plan.
Attachments:
- Document Housing Board report 20 January 2026 (009) 12 Jan 2026
- Document 20251217_GosportBC_NarrativeRJ_final_2025_12_12-15-05-59 12 Jan 2026
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Housing (HOH) updating the Board on the outcome of the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) inspection, acknowledging the very serious failings identified, outline the initial response and actions to be taken to address those failings, including additional financial resource. The report also highlights the seriousness of the judgement and grading and the proposed immediate next steps and the resources required to develop a Comprehensive Improvement Plan.
The Head of Housing introduced the report by advising that they wished to amend the wording in recommendation 5 to read “Endorse”
Members wished to thank the Head of Housing and all the team that have been involved in the inspection and recognised the impact on their other duties and workload. The Board also acknowledged the work involved in producing the report.
In answer to a Member’s question, the HOH advised that officers were meeting with the inspector on a fortnightly basis and it is proposed that the data shared with them would also come to Board as a standard agenda item. This may result in needing more Board meetings to bring updates.
The HOH agreed to share the letter that had been sent to all tenants regarding the inspection and way forward.
Members were advised that the development of a timeline for the Comprehensive Improvement Plan (CIP) would follow the production of a proposal document by professional consultants. The Regulator had supported the bringing in of external expertise and officers were currently meeting with potential companies. Officers have consulted other local authorities to gain useful information on costings and output. It was anticipated that as more authorities are inspected the pressure on procuring such firms will increase. As some of the temporary positions had already been filled the HOH was aware of those costings.
The HOH advised that prioritisation was key and work had already begun on the health & safety elements with cleansing of data and bringing the recording of certificates inhouse.
In answer to a Member’s question, the Group Accountant reassured the board that the levels of reserves were considered sufficient, and they could be used for these works, should unexpected costs arise, as they are not fixed.
Members advised that contact and meetings with the Regulator should over time lessen. Once the inspectors see delivery of improvements the grading can be reassessed and hopefully reflect the changes made in service delivery.
The HOH advised that there were still almost 300 authorities still to be inspected, Gosport had been amongst the first, and only 7 of those completed had received a C! grading.
RESOLVED: That the Board
1. noted the content of the report and the detail of the Regulatory Judgement and Grading (Appendix 1).
2. noted that because of the C4 grading, the Council is required to work intensively with RSH to provide assurance of change and progress, including agreeing and monitoring delivery of an improvement programme.
3. noted the cross reference to the Business Plan Financial Model Update and Council Dwelling Rents 2026/27 report, also scheduled for presentation this evening.
4. agreed the next steps in the Council’s journey to achieving compliance with the consumer standards.
5. endorsed the additional financial resources at an estimated cost of £625,000 from the Housing Revenue Account reserves for expert consultancy and additional temporary staff to support in achieving the outcomes of the next steps detailed below.
6. agreed to include “RSH Consumer Standards” as a standard agenda item.
The Head of Housing introduced the report by advising that they wished to amend the wording in recommendation 5 to read “Endorse”
Members wished to thank the Head of Housing and all the team that have been involved in the inspection and recognised the impact on their other duties and workload. The Board also acknowledged the work involved in producing the report.
In answer to a Member’s question, the HOH advised that officers were meeting with the inspector on a fortnightly basis and it is proposed that the data shared with them would also come to Board as a standard agenda item. This may result in needing more Board meetings to bring updates.
The HOH agreed to share the letter that had been sent to all tenants regarding the inspection and way forward.
Members were advised that the development of a timeline for the Comprehensive Improvement Plan (CIP) would follow the production of a proposal document by professional consultants. The Regulator had supported the bringing in of external expertise and officers were currently meeting with potential companies. Officers have consulted other local authorities to gain useful information on costings and output. It was anticipated that as more authorities are inspected the pressure on procuring such firms will increase. As some of the temporary positions had already been filled the HOH was aware of those costings.
The HOH advised that prioritisation was key and work had already begun on the health & safety elements with cleansing of data and bringing the recording of certificates inhouse.
In answer to a Member’s question, the Group Accountant reassured the board that the levels of reserves were considered sufficient, and they could be used for these works, should unexpected costs arise, as they are not fixed.
Members advised that contact and meetings with the Regulator should over time lessen. Once the inspectors see delivery of improvements the grading can be reassessed and hopefully reflect the changes made in service delivery.
The HOH advised that there were still almost 300 authorities still to be inspected, Gosport had been amongst the first, and only 7 of those completed had received a C! grading.
RESOLVED: That the Board
1. noted the content of the report and the detail of the Regulatory Judgement and Grading (Appendix 1).
2. noted that because of the C4 grading, the Council is required to work intensively with RSH to provide assurance of change and progress, including agreeing and monitoring delivery of an improvement programme.
3. noted the cross reference to the Business Plan Financial Model Update and Council Dwelling Rents 2026/27 report, also scheduled for presentation this evening.
4. agreed the next steps in the Council’s journey to achieving compliance with the consumer standards.
5. endorsed the additional financial resources at an estimated cost of £625,000 from the Housing Revenue Account reserves for expert consultancy and additional temporary staff to support in achieving the outcomes of the next steps detailed below.
6. agreed to include “RSH Consumer Standards” as a standard agenda item.
8
ANY OTHER ITEMS
Minutes
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