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.

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