'Serious failings' found in council social housing

Inspectors have found "serious failings" with a Surrey council's housing services.

The Regulator of Social Housing said 12% of Woking Borough Council's homes did not meet the minimum quality and safety requirements set out in the Decent Homes Standard.

There were "some weaknesses" related to overdue fire, water and asbestos remedial actions, it continued.

Woking Borough Council - which owns and manages 3,000 homes - said it accepted the regulator's report and it was "working tirelessly" to address the issues raised.

Inspectors said the local authority's housing services needed significant improvements.

They identified "some weaknesses" in it providing effective, efficient and timely repairs, alongside maintaining and improving homes and communal areas.

There were "serious failings" in its handling of anti-social behaviour cases and hate incidents, the regulator continued.

But it recognised Woking Borough Council had included this area in an improvement plan.

Meanwhile, the regulator found complaint handling needed improvement.

Woking Borough Council had referred itself to the regulator in 2023 after it was found to be breaching safety standards.

"Today, the regulator has acknowledged that we are largely meeting our obligations relating to health and safety compliance, as well as meeting our targets for routine, urgent and emergency repairs," said councillor Ian Johnson.

There are very few overdue repairs, disrepair or damp and mould cases, inspectors found.

They added that the local authority had a "good understanding" of the condition of its homes, while residents had meaningful opportunities to influence policy and service delivery.

There was also a positive and respectful culture demonstrated by staff towards residents, the report said.

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