Wandsworth Council's Cabinet met on Monday 26 January 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the independent report into the Fox House fire, a review of social housing improvement, the housing revenue account budget, and the public mental health action plan. Key decisions included the approval of the Housing Improvement and Transformation Plan and the Housing Revenue Account budget, which will see an average rent increase of 4.8% for council tenants.

Fox House Fire - Independent Report

The Cabinet received an independent report by Barry Quirk, CBE, into the council's response to the major fire at Fox House in Battersea on 10 September 2025. The report commended the council's overall response, particularly the swift rehousing of all displaced tenants into permanent accommodation and the financial support provided. However, it also identified areas for improvement in the initial hours of the response, specifically concerning communication and the organisation of urgent accommodation. Recommendations included strengthening the Gold, Silver, and Bronze emergency response arrangements, ensuring a senior director is on-site within two hours of a major incident, and reviewing grab bag arrangements for essential materials for staff. The council has agreed to implement these recommendations, with deadlines set for various actions throughout 2026.

A Review into Social Housing Improvement

A Task and Finish Group presented its review into social housing improvement, established in response to a C3 grading by the Regulator of Social Housing. The group's report highlighted the need for additional resources to analyse stock condition survey data, improve the resident repair journey with digital tracking, and co-design future repairs contracts with residents. Recommendations also included embedding tenant and leaseholder representation in governance arrangements and commissioning external consultants to review the engagement strategy. The Cabinet agreed to consider these recommendations, which aim to ensure tenants are provided with the highest quality services and to achieve a higher grading from the regulator.

Housing Improvement Plan

The Cabinet received a report outlining the Housing Improvement and Transformation Plan (HIT Plan), developed in response to the Regulator of Social Housing's C3 judgement. The plan addresses immediate areas for improvement and outlines longer-term transformation of housing services. Significant progress has already been made, including an accelerated programme of stock condition surveys, improvements in electrical safety tests, a reduction in overdue fire risk assessment actions, and a decrease in overdue repairs. The plan also details structural and cultural changes, including the merger of the Housing Department with Environment and Community Services to create a dedicated Resident Services directorate. The Cabinet was asked to agree the HIT Plan and support the creation of a Housing Improvement and Transformation Board, chaired by an independent expert.

Housing Revenue Account Budget (including Rents & Other Charges for Council Dwellings)

The Cabinet discussed the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget, including proposals for council housing rents and other charges for council dwellings for the period 2025/26 to 2028/29. The report highlighted the ongoing housing crisis in London and the need for investment in new council homes and the maintenance of existing stock. It was noted that the HRA is in a strong financial position, allowing for ambitious regeneration plans. The Cabinet Member for Housing recommended an average rent increase of 4.8% for council tenants from April 2026, citing the need to cover inflation, invest in stock, and support new affordable housing development. Support mechanisms for tenants facing financial hardship were also detailed. The report also outlined proposed increases in non-residential charges and a reduction in heating and hot water charges. The Cabinet was asked to approve the proposed HRA capital programme additions, the overall capital programme, rent and service charge increases, non-residential charges, and the HRA budget framework.

Public Mental Health Action Plan

The Cabinet received the final version of the 'Healthy Minds' Public Mental Health Action Plan, a five-year cross-council initiative designed to improve population mental health and prevent mental ill-health. The plan, informed by the 2022 Mental Health Needs Assessment, focuses on prevention and tackling health inequalities by addressing the social and environmental factors that shape mental health. It promotes collaborative working across council departments, NHS partners, and the voluntary and community sector. The plan was developed with input from various stakeholders, including service users, carers, and community groups. The Cabinet was asked to approve the five-year plan, which includes a first-year action plan for 2026/27 focusing on areas such as resilience through learning, a healthy minds conference, mental health training for the voluntary sector, mental wellbeing impact assessments, and increasing mental health champions. The Equality Impact Needs Analysis (EINA) highlighted the disproportionate impact of poor mental health on certain groups, including children and young people, adults with disabilities, and Global Majority communities, and outlined actions to address these inequalities.