Motion: Housing Regulation and Leicester Housing Issues
Proposed by Councillor Haq to move that:
This council notes the following
The judgement by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) of Leicester City Council's Housing Department, identifying serious failings and the need to make significant improvements.
The judgment of Maladministration by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in the case of Ms X.
The refusal by Leicester City Council to pay Ms X a symbolic payment of £1300 for distress and £150 for every month Ms X experienced this distress.
The failure of Leicester City Council to deliver Hospital Close for rent which it purchased over 4 years ago.
The decision by Leicester City Council to sell multiple small sites and properties, including a number on existing city estates, which could have been used to build new houses to rent for the people of Leicester.
The move by the council instead to house people in unsuitable properties well below National Designated Space Standards.
This council resolves
That due to multiple failures, wasted opportunities, maladministration and the refusal to recognise these failings and the refusal to compensate for that maladministration; that this council has no confidence in the Leadership of Leicester City Council's Housing Department. If this is continued we will not see any improvement in the situation and it will continue the decline in the housing situation in the city.
Minutes:
Please note that a full record of the of the discussion is available on the recording of the meeting at Special Council 1 September 2025 - YouTube at 0:07:57 – 1:21:50.
Motion: Housing Regulation and Leicester Housing Issues
Proposed by Councillor Haq, seconded by Councillor Rae Bhatia to move that:
This council notes the following
The judgement by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) of Leicester City Council's Housing Department, identifying serious failings and the need to make significant improvements.
The judgment of Maladministration by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in the case of Ms X.
The refusal by Leicester City Council to pay Ms X a symbolic payment of £1300 for distress and £150 for every month Ms X experienced this distress. The failure of Leicester City Council to deliver Hospital Close for rent which it purchased over 4 years ago.
The decision by Leicester City Council to sell multiple small sites and properties, including a number on existing city estates, which could have been used to build new houses to rent for the people of Leicester.
The move by the council instead to house people in unsuitable properties well below National Designated Space Standards.
This council resolves
That due to multiple failures, wasted opportunities, maladministration and the refusal to recognise these failings and the refusal to compensate for that maladministration; that this council has no confidence in the Leadership of Leicester City Council's Housing Department. If this is continued we will not see any improvement in the situation and it will continue the decline in the housing situation in the city.
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT
During the debate on the substantive Motion, the following Amendment was moved and seconded:
Proposed by Councillor Haq, seconded by Councillor Rae Bhatia:
This Council notes with deep concern the recent report from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) into the services delivered by the Housing Department of Leicester City Council. The report highlights serious failings and makes clear the urgent need for significant improvements.
The Council believes that these failures, particularly in meeting the required standards of care and support for tenants, stems from a lack of rigorous oversight and accountability within the Executive. In light of this, we call upon the Deputy City Mayor, as the portfolio holder responsible, to resign. Such a step would send a clear message about the importance of responsibility and accountability in public office.
In addition, this Council resolves that a cross-party committee of members should be established to scrutinise the RSH findings and oversee the implementation of its recommendations, ensuring that the necessary reforms are carried out effectively and transparently.
VOTE: There immediately followed a vote on the friendly amendment which was not carried.
During the debate on the substantive motion, the following Amendment was moved and seconded:
AMENDMENT
Proposed by Councillor O’Neill, seconded by Councillor Cutkelvin:
“Since declaring Leicester Cities Housing Crisis in 2022, pressures in Housing have continued to mount. Following various developments in the housing sector including new regulations for social landlords and a significant increase in the need to use temporary accommodation, this Council would like to;
Acknowledge the judgement by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) of Leicester City Council's Housing Department, the progress made already in addressing new standards that were introduced in April 2024. Welcome being held to account by both the Regulator and the Housing Scrutiny Commission.
Acknowledge the demonstratable decrease in families who reside in temporary accommodation out of category. Achieved as a direct result of the intervention and investment made in new Affordable housing and Homelessness prevention rates.
Recognise the distress caused by increased number of families being
evicted in the private rented sector and the impact this has on
family life but welcome the introduction of the Labour Governments
Renters Reform Bill which will add new layers of security for
residents living in the sector.
Welcome the work we have done in partnership with the voluntary sector to ensure families have wholistic support and help to find a new home.
Welcome the first families who have moved into Hospital Close. Despite significant challenges in the economy caused by a botched mini budget by Prime Minister, Liz Truss in September 2023 causing a significant loss of confidence in the construction industry, pleased that we have overcome the complexities of delivering such a significant scheme within budget and to such exceptionally high energy efficiency standards.
Welcome the support of private equity to develop out sites which cannot be supported by our Housing Revenue Account, contributing to our overall delivery of housing targets.
Welcome the fact all council-built homes in the City far exceed national space standards but acknowledge the limited use of smaller units as temporary accommodation as an alternative for individuals who would otherwise be placed in a hotel or bed and breakfast.
Welcome the development of comprehensive support in temporary accommodation that will ensure complex individuals are supported to secure the best outcomes in their permanent move on accommodation.
Recognise that the pressure since declaring a Housing Crisis in 2022 has only further increased and welcome that this has remained a top corporate priority.
Whilst remaining open with honest assessments of the challenges faced which regularly reported to the Housing Scrutiny Commission, we welcome that our Council has done in preventing homelessness and increasing housing solutions in our City.”
VOTE: After some further general debate on the (amended) Motion, the Lord Mayor moved to a vote, which was carried.
The amended motion became the substantive motion.
VOTE: There followed a vote on whether to proceed with closure motion on the (amended) substantive Motion, which was carried.
VOTE: Following the closure motion, the Lord Mayor put the amended motion to the vote and declared the (amended) substantive motion carried.