Council housing service performance 2026

AL01 - Number of households on the housing waiting list

EP01 - Average number of calendar days to re-let standard void (empty homes), excluding properties held empty for operational reasons

Exception report EP01 - March 2026

Re-let performance, while still below target, is showing improvement, with the average re-let time reducing to 57.8 days in March 2026. This continues a month-on-month improvement from 84 days in January 2026 and 67.5 days in February 2026.

An end-to-end voids review has been completed, and the majority of the associated improvement actions have either been completed or are well progressed. This includes development of the revised void standard/ specification, voids policy, waste management arrangements, clearer delineation of responsibilities, and procedural changes to support improved control across the re-let process.

The focus is now on tightening and embedding the end-to-end process. A working framework is in place, building on the existing process, with the ‘Fit for Future’ change team supporting further review of workflow, stage management, reporting and accountability. Responsibilities across the process are broadly understood, but further work is being completed to strengthen how these are monitored and managed through clearer ownership, key performance indictor (KPI) tracking, reporting, and control of hand-offs between teams.

Preparations are also being considered to manage the potential impact of increased void activity in early 2026-27 linked to new build completions and tenant moves. The immediate priority is to ensure the revised process is consistently applied so that the improvement work completed to date translates into sustained reductions in re-let times.

Exception report EP01 - April 2026

Void re-let performance has continued to show a positive improving trend during since January 2026. Average key-to-key times have reduced from the start of the year from 84.0 days in January 2026 to 52.8 days in April 2026. Whilst performance remains above the 35 day target, the trajectory is positive and reflects a clear direction of travel.

Following the findings of the ARK review, a programme of improvements have been seen through a dedicated Task and Finish Group. This includes the development of the Council's Voids Policy which is progressing to Cabinet in July 2026, alongside the introduction of a Void Standard and Waste Standard to define clearer operational expectations.

In parallel, the Council’s 'Fit for the Future' Change Team has commenced a review of the void process. Early findings highlight opportunities to reduce delays, improve accountability and streamline operational flow. This work also includes the utilisation of the pre-termination period of an outgoing tenancy to maximise efficiency and improve key-to-key times towards our target. This work will conclude in July 2026 with a revised operating model setting out clearer responsibilities and performance expectations across each stage of the process.

Together, these interventions provide a strengthened framework for sustained improvement. As changes embed, we expect further reductions in re-let times and improved consistency of delivery across the void lifecycle. While it would not be appropriate to set a fixed date for achievement of the 35-day target at this stage, the direction of travel is positive and the improvement programme provides a clear basis for continued progress.

Exception report EP01 - May 2026

Average re-let times increased slightly during May 2026 from 52.8 days to 57.4 days. Whilst this represents an increase, performance continues to remain improved compared with the start of the year, reducing from 84.0 days in January 2026 to 57.4 days in May 2026.

The programme of improvement continues through the dedicated Voids Task and Finish Group. Work to redesign the end-to-end void process remains ongoing, with opportunities being implemented to improve accountability, streamline workflows and reduce avoidable delays. During July 2026, pre-termination visits have been introduced to enable earlier planning and preparation before properties become vacant, supporting further reductions in re-let times. Alongside the implementation of the new Voids Policy and Void Standard, these improvements provide a strengthened framework for continued performance improvement and greater consistency across the void lifecycle.

Exception report EP01 - June 2026

In June 2026, the average standard void re-let time was 86.5 days against the Council's target of 35-days. Analysis of the 15 standard voids completed during the month shows that delays occurred across a number of stages of the void process.

The introduction of a new system derived dashboard has provided greater visibility of each stage of the void journey, enabling delays to be analysed in greater detail. The analysis identified an average of 4.4 days from the property becoming void to receipt of keys, a further 9.6 days before works commenced due and an average of 35.5 days to complete void works. Collectively these stages exceed the Council's target re-let time and remain an area of focus with HRA Assets and ODS.

The analysis also shows that on average properties are being advertised and allocated before works are completed, reducing potential delay once a property is ready to let. However, an average of 36.8 days elapsed between the property being ready to let and the new tenancy commencing. This indicates that whilst the allocation process is generally commencing at the appropriate stage, further improvements are required to reduce the time taken between offer, viewing and tenancy sign-up.

The findings from this analysis have informed a number of changes to the management and focus of the void process. Pre-termination visits are being introduced to enable property inspections, compliance checks and work planning to be completed before a tenancy ends wherever possible, reducing the time between receipt of keys and commencement of works. The new dashboard is also being used through weekly void performance meetings to monitor each stage of the void process, enabling delays to be identified earlier and management action to be targeted where required. Housing Services has also reviewed the management of the offer and tenancy sign-up process, with clearer ownership and monitoring arrangements introduced to improve progression from allocation through to occupation. As reported re-let times relate to properties completed during the reporting period, the impact of these changes will become apparent over subsequent reporting periods.

Note: RAG (on-track/off-track) status has been applied from April 2026, in line with targets set for the financial year 2026-27.