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Guildford Borough Council commits to safer, warmer and more modern homes for residents

Guildford Borough Council commits to safer, warmer and more modern homes for residents

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. 

*Image above is the front page of the strategy 

**Notes to Editor** 

The full Housing Asset Management Strategy 2026 – 2032 can be viewed on the Council website. 

Why a new strategy is needed 

A recent engagement exercise, completed by around 400 residents, highlighted clear priorities: 

  • Warm and well‑insulated homes 
  • Lower running costs 
  • Safe, well‑maintained properties 
  • Quicker repairs 
  • Modern kitchens, bathrooms, windows and doors 

 
These priorities directly shape the investment programme.  

The new Strategy was developed in response to some urgent needs: 

  • Ageing housing stock that requires significant investment to remain safe, efficient and fit for purpose. Many homes were built between the 1940s and 1980s. 
  • Rising safety and compliance responsibilities, including duties under the Building Safety Act 2022. 
  • A national requirement to meet the Decent Homes Standard, with Guildford aiming for 100% compliance by December 2026. 
  • Energy efficiency challenges, with a commitment for all homes to reach the energy efficiency EPC Band C by 2030, reducing fuel bills for residents. 
  • The need for clearer long-term financial planning, ensuring the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) can sustain investment without compromising services. 
  • Preparation for future Local Government Reorganisation, including greater partnership working with Waverley Borough Council. 

What major improvements will the strategy deliver?

Over the next five years, the Council will deliver a wide range of essential upgrades, including: 

  • New kitchens  
  • Heating and boiler upgrades  
  • New windows and external doors  
  • Roofing and structural works  
  • New bathrooms  
  • Fire safety improvements  
  • Electrical rewiring and safety upgrades  
  • Adaptations for older and disabled residents  
  • Energy‑efficiency upgrades to reach EPC Band C  

 The Strategy also strengthens the council’s ability to make evidence based decisions through a new stock condition survey programme and development of a full sustainability and Net Present Value (NPV) model. 


​ Press contact: Stephanie Maynard – email Stephanie.Maynard@guildford.gov.uk