Guildford Borough Council has published a major new strategy setting out how it will protect, improve and modernise its 5,000 council homes over the next five years – ensuring residents live in safe, warm and high‑quality homes for the long term.

The Housing Asset Management Strategy 2026 – 2031 outlines a significant programme of investment that will upgrade thousands of properties, improve energy efficiency, strengthen building safety and ensure homes meet the needs of residents now and in the future.

Over the first five years, the Council plans to invest £62 million in its homes, with a total of £331 million allocated over 30 years.

Councillor Julia McShane, Lead Councillor for Housing and Corporate Services, said: “We put our residents at the heart of everything we do, and we know how much our residents want their homes to be safe, have modern facilities, and be energy efficient to help keep heating costs down.  Our new strategy sets out a long-term plan to invest in our residents’ homes now and into the future. This means delivering improvements that will have a positive impact for people in their day to day lives, from new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors, improved outdoor spaces in neighbourhoods and more energy efficient homes.

“This strategy isn’t just about planning for the future, it’s about making a difference now by ensuring that every one of our residents has a council home that is well-maintained, comfortable and that can support them for years to come. It has been shaped with direct input from our residents, and ongoing engagement will continue throughout its delivery giving residents a voice in how homes are maintained and improved.”

Alan Wood, Chair of the Tenant Engagement Group said: “As tenants, we want homes that are safe, warm and well looked after, and this strategy gives us real confidence that the Council is committed to delivering exactly that. Throughout the process, our group has made sure residents’ voices were heard, and it’s clear that the improvements planned, from better energy efficiency to upgraded kitchens, bathrooms, windows and communal areas, will make a genuine difference to people’s daily lives. This is a positive step forward for our communities, and we’re proud to have helped shape a plan that puts tenants’ needs at its heart.”

The new Strategy aligns with the Council’s Corporate Strategy and Housing Strategy, supporting wider goals around decent homes, sustainability, social value, and strong financial management.

It will be reviewed regularly, with progress reported to councillors, residents and tenant groups to ensure transparency and accountability.