Cabinet sets out programme of housing investment and discusses Fox House report

Fox House Fire Independent Report  

To understand what happened and how we can better support you and strengthen our response in the future, we commissioned an independent review of the Council’s actions following the fire. 

The review confirms that, thanks to the quick actions of the London Fire Brigade, over 100 people were evacuated safely and no serious injuries were reported. The fire destroyed the roof and top floor of the building, and while the cause is still under investigation, early findings suggest the rapid spread was linked to the roof void design.   

The review acknowledges that the first night was challenging, with delays in arranging hotel accommodation and gaps in communication.    

Since the fire, we have taken decisive steps to keep residents safe. A waking watch was introduced in similar blocks immediately, and fire safety inspections and remedial works are underway. We are also carrying out diagnostic checks on roof voids and sharing learning with other landlords to prevent similar incidents.  

The review makes clear recommendations, and we are implementing them without delay. These include strengthening emergency planning, improving communication during incidents, and ensuring better arrangements for emergency accommodation.   

HRA investment 

Wandsworth Council has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to building stronger, more sustainable communities through strategic investment in new council homes and estate improvements across the borough. 

Value for money is at the heart of everything we do. Wandsworth is investing in new homes and estate improvements that create lifelong assets for the borough. These homes not only pay for themselves through rental income but also reduce reliance on costly temporary accommodation. Thanks to strengthened prevention work, Wandsworth is now avoiding an additional £3.7 million in temporary accommodation costs every year. 

Wandsworth’s Housing Revenue Account, a ringfenced fund dedicated to council housing, is in a significantly stronger position than that of many other stock holding authorities. This strong financial position enables the council to continue investing in new  homes through our Homes for Wandsworth programme, including 200 new council homes at Battersea Power Station. 

Changes to rent and hot water charges  

In line with other London boroughs, rents for Council owned properties will be increased by an average of 4.8% (which represents the rate of inflation +1%). This allows us to keep rents affordable while also making sure we can continue to invest in the maintenance and any essential improvements of our blocks. Wandsworth’s social rents remain, on average less than 36% of median private rents. 

Due to a reduction in the wholesale costs in fuel, we are passing on any reductions that the Council has benefited from to reduce the fuel element in tenants’ bills. This means we will be reducing communal heating and hot water charges by 20%. 

While increasing rents is a difficult decision, we have a commitment and requirement to maintain our homes to the highest standards and respond to the changing requirements of social landlords – including building safety and the Decent Homes Standard 2.  

An extensive programme of works is underway across the Council-owned properties which includes investment in new lifts, roofs, windows, heating systems, kitchens and bathrooms, retrofitting and decarbonisation to make homes more energy efficient.  

Residents may be eligible to lower increases, freezes or reductions. If you are worried about paying your bills pleased contact the Council on 020 8871 6000.