The Runnymede Borough Council Housing Committee convened to discuss a range of housing-related issues, including an amendment to the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan, approval for use of property for supported housing, a review of complaints performance, and new policies on lifts and legionella management. The committee approved a new lease arrangement for 9/10 Jutland Place, endorsed the Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report, and agreed to consult tenants on revisions to the Rent Setting Policy. Additionally, the committee approved the Lifts and Stairlifts Policy and the Legionella Management Policy.

Amendment to Housing Revenue Account Business Plan

The committee approved an amended version of the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan 2021-2051. The original document, presented in June 2025, contained errors in the narrative, although the financial plan itself was accurate. The amended plan, Appendix 1 Housing Revenue Account Business Plan Review 2025 Version 2, includes corrections to discrepancies in property type percentages, transposed information on Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants, and the removal of estimated Right to Buy receipts from the loan schedule. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan sets the strategic objectives and financial strategy for the management and maintenance of the council's housing stock.

Approval for Use of 9/10 Jutland Place

The committee approved a new lease arrangement for 9/10 Jutland Place in Egham with The Riverside Group¹ to provide supported housing for up to nine adults with a history of rough sleeping or who are considered hidden rough sleepers. The property, previously used by the Royal Mencap Society², will now offer an enhanced accommodation-based floating support service, incorporating a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) model and Trauma Informed Care (TIC) principles. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between homelessness services and independent living, helping vulnerable individuals develop independent daily living skills. The decision was made after it was determined that returning the conjoined properties to two separate dwellings would cost in excess of £50,000.

Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report

The committee endorsed the Complaints Performance and Service Improvement Report for 2025-2026, which included a self-assessment against the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code³. The report highlighted that 62 of the 72 requirements in the Code were met, but response times for stage 1 complaints were below target. The most frequent complaints related to repairs, damp, contractors, and neighbourhood issues. The Housing Ombudsman did not make any judgements against the council in 2024/25. The report outlined ten improvements to service delivery and monitoring, including modifications to the corporate complaint handling system.

Lifts and Stairlifts Policy

The committee approved the Lifts and Stairlifts Policy, which aims to ensure the safe operation, maintenance, and compliance of lifts and stairlifts within Runnymede Borough Council's housing stock. The policy aligns with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER), and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER). It establishes a clear framework for managing risks associated with lifting equipment and defines the roles and responsibilities of duty holders, contractors, and staff.

Legionella Management Policy

The committee approved the revised Legionella Management Policy, which provides a framework for assessing, controlling, and monitoring legionella risks across all council-managed properties. The policy assigns responsibilities to Runnymede Borough Council, Housing Technical Services, tenants, contractors, and water hygiene service providers. It ensures compliance with legislation and guidance, protects public health, and maintains safe, habitable homes. The policy was updated to include findings and recommendations from a recent Health and Safety audit.

Right to Buy Receipts

The committee received an information report on changes to the Right to Buy scheme, including reduced discounts and proposed changes to eligibility requirements. The maximum Right to Buy discount for a Runnymede tenant was reduced to £38,000 in November 2024. The report also detailed proposed changes to eligibility, discount rules, and exemptions for newly built social and affordable housing. As of the start of the financial year, the council held £4,653,521 in Right to Buy receipts, with £2,953,224 allocated for the purchase of 13 properties at Thorpe Lea Manor.

IT Upgrade Capital Spend

The committee approved the release of £38,825 in capital spend to purchase Go Mobile, an offline mobile platform developed by NEC, to enable the completion of tasks by a field-based workforce. A further £11,175 was approved for additional consultancy days from NEC to assist Housing Services in delivering other areas of its IT upgrade programme. Members also approved the ongoing supplementary revenue estimate for 20 licences for Go Mobile at a cost of £11,000 per year.

Rent Setting Policy

The committee approved a plan to consult tenants on revisions to the Rent Setting Policy to ensure full compliance with the regulatory Rent Standard and to extend the use of permitted rent setting flexibility. The proposed revisions aim to ensure that rents are set at a level that allows the council to meet its obligations to residents, maintain stock and services, and support investment in new and existing homes. The consultation will also address government plans to re-introduce rent convergence. Councillor Mike Smith, Chair of the Housing Committee, said that it was important to ensure that tenants were kept informed of any changes to the policy.