To strengthen housing services for residents, Woking Borough Council is proposing four new operational policies aimed at improving safety, consistency and tenant satisfaction.

The proposed Fire Safety, Mobility Scooter, Void Management and Good Neighbour Management policies were discussed by the council’s Executive last night (Thursday 22 January 2026) and have been recommended to Council for formal approval.

Developed as part of its ongoing Housing Improvement Programme, the policies are designed to ensure the council meets statutory and regulatory requirements while providing clearer guidance for tenants, residents and housing staff.

Keeping residents safe

Fire safety is a key focus of the new suite of policies. The Fire Safety Policy sets out how the council will proactively manage and maintain fire safety across its housing stock, including carrying out fire risk assessments, completing remedial works and maintaining safety systems such as alarms, emergency lighting and fire doors.

Alongside this, the Mobility Scooter Policy introduces a consistent approach to managing the storage and use of electrically powered vehicles in council housing, helping reduce fire risks while taking account of tenants’ individual mobility needs. The policy has been developed with input from fire safety partners and through consultation with residents, including users of mobility scooters in sheltered housing.

Improving housing availability

The Void Management Policy sets out how the council will prepare empty homes for re‑letting efficiently, safely and to an agreed standard. By reducing the time properties remain empty, the policy aims to reduce waiting times for households on the housing register, minimise lost rental income, and ensure new tenants move into homes that are safe and in good repair.

Supporting positive communities

The Good Neighbour Management Policy focuses on helping residents live well together by encouraging respect, early resolution of low‑level disputes and coordinated support where issues arise. The policy promotes mediation, proactive property inspections, noise management advice and partnership working between Housing, Community Safety and Environmental Health teams.

It also supports early identification of vulnerabilities and signposting to appropriate support services, helping prevent issues from escalating.

Cllr Ian Johnson, Woking Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “These updated policies show our commitment to improving housing services by giving tenants clarity, supporting staff to deliver consistent services, and meeting the high standards residents expect. They are essential to providing safe, effective and transparent services across the borough.”

The draft policies have been reviewed by residents through the Resident and Landlord Partnership Panel and form part of the council’s wider programme of housing service improvements.

Watch the Executive meeting at woking.gov.uk/watch-council-meetings