An Individual Executive Member Decision meeting of Wokingham Borough Council is scheduled to take place on Thursday 12 November 2026. The meeting is set to consider a proposed Disrepair Policy for the council's Housing Services.

Housing Services Disrepair Policy

The meeting is scheduled to consider a proposed Disrepair Policy for Wokingham Borough Council's Housing Services. This policy aims to establish a framework for managing housing disrepair claims, including those arising from allegations of disrepair and defective premises. The report pack indicates that the policy will outline associated roles and responsibilities, as well as governance arrangements, to ensure the council effectively supports legal disrepair cases. This is intended to mitigate financial liabilities and ensure legal duties are discharged in accordance with legislation.

The proposed policy is being presented for consideration by Councillor Stephen Conway, Leader of the Council and Executive Councillor for Housing and the Local Plan. The report states that the council, as a registered social housing provider, must comply with the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 and other legislative and regulatory requirements. The policy will be supported by a Disrepair Management Plan (DMP), which will detail operational procedures for managing disrepair claims in line with the Housing Disrepair Pre-Action Protocol¹.

The report pack highlights that the council manages approximately 3,000 residential properties and is responsible for delivering an effective repairs and maintenance service. The policy aims to ensure these properties are safe at the start of any tenancy and maintained in a safe condition throughout. It covers council-owned tenanted dwellings, temporary accommodation, and communal areas of residential blocks. The policy also applies to all employees, contractors, and agents acting on behalf of the council.

Several pieces of legislation are referenced as underpinning the need for this policy, including the Defective Premises Act 1972, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Homes (Fit for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. The policy also references the Decent Homes Standard 2006 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) 2006.

The report pack indicates that the approval of this policy does not create new budgetary requirements, but it does reference the need to ensure suitable budgets and resources are available to achieve compliance. The policy has undergone consultation with various teams and panels, including the Asset Management and Compliance Team, the Repairs and Maintenance Consultative Panel, Legal Services, the Housing Leadership Team, and the Housing Innovation Partnership. An Equality Impact Assessment has also been completed, concluding that a full assessment is not required.