Policies strengthened to improve standards for council tenants
We have introduced a series of policies which will improve safety, transparency and consistency for council tenants across the borough.
The revised policies, approved by the council’s Executive on 11 June 2026, provide a clear and robust approach to rent arrears, repairs and maintenance, gas safety and electrical safety.
The revisions form a central part of the council’s ongoing Housing Improvement Programme and are designed to ensure compliance with the updated Consumer Standards introduced by the Regulator of Social Housing.
The policies provide a framework for how housing services should be delivered, while setting out what tenants can expect from the council and what responsibilities they hold.
Key changes include:
- A ‘prevention first’ approach to rent arrears with early support for residents facing financial difficulty.
- Stricter oversight of contractors carrying out safety inspections.
- A more structured repairs and maintenance system with clear response times and a focus on prioritising urgent and safety-related issues.
The policies have been developed with input from the Resident and Landlord Partnership Panel, with a number of recommendations incorporated to make the documents clearer and more user-friendly.
Cllr Ian Johnson, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said:
These policies are a vital step in ensuring our housing services are safe, consistent and fit for the future. They set clear expectations for both the council and our tenants; while strengthening the support we provide, particularly to those who may be vulnerable or struggling financially.
By adopting these measures, we are reinforcing our commitment to high standards, transparency and ongoing improvement as part of our Housing Improvement Programme.
Ultimately, these policies are about greater accountability, building trust with our tenants and boosting satisfaction with the homes and services we provide.