The subject of the next Southampton City Council scrutiny inquiry is set to be decided by councillors.

Members of the overview and scrutiny committee have been asked to pick between the topic of gambling harms and sustainable housing development.

A discussion on the preferred option will be made at a meeting on Thursday, August 22.

Each year the council’s scrutiny inquiry panel undertakes an inquiry that looks in detail at a specific issue with the objective of improving outcomes in Southampton.

Previous recent focuses include the private rented sector, the condition of the River Itchen and accessibility.

At the conclusion of an inquiry, recommendations are presented to the cabinet to consider and provide a formal response to as the council executive.

A report by scrutiny manager Mark Pirnie said a request was made to political group leaders for suggestions on the subject of the next scrutiny inquiry.

Following suggestions, overview and scrutiny management committee chair Cllr Richard Blackman consulted with Mr Pirnie on developing the two topics shortlisted.

Mr Pirnie’s report said gambling addiction is a growing problem nationally and Southampton is one of the few UK cities to have a gambling addiction clinic.

“This inquiry would represent an opportunity to learn from other areas and take a lead locally on this cross-cutting and growing issue,” the report said.

“The director of public health has indicated that the service would support this inquiry and, reflecting concerns about the impact of gambling in Southampton, have commissioned background research that could inform the inquiry.”

On sustainable housing, Mr Pirnie’s report said the issue would require more focused terms of reference to be deliverable. He listed possible aspects proposed including implementing the district heating zoning, preventing flood risk or promoting sustainable drainage and growing the city without running out of energy.

After the committee decides a preferred topic, outline terms of reference will be developed before coming back to councillors in October for approval.