voids
Councils are reviewing strategies and performance for managing empty properties, known as voids, and improving repair services to bring them back into use.
Ealing Council's Housing Panel reviewed the performance of its new Repairs Diagnostic Centre in October 2026, discussing strategies to improve response times after some under-performance in August. In September 2026, Croydon's Housing Assurance Board discussed the management of council housing voids. Lambeth Council is implementing a new strategy to tackle empty homes, which its Housing Scrutiny Sub-Committee discussed in July 2026.
Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved a new procurement strategy for housing repairs services in June 2026, with new contracts expected to commence from the financial year 2027/28. Voids are empty properties within the housing stock that are awaiting re-letting or occupation, often requiring preparation and repair before new tenants can move in.
Key facts
- Ealing Council's Housing Panel reviewed the performance of its Repairs Diagnostic Centre in October 2026. Source
- Lambeth Council is implementing a new strategy to tackle empty homes, discussed in July 2026. Source
- Waltham Forest Council's Cabinet approved a new procurement strategy for housing repairs services in June 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 16 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.