TENANT satisfaction is rising and safety standards are tightening across council-owned homes in Wiltshire, according to a new annual report covering the past year.

Wiltshire Council says the figures point to steady improvements for residents, alongside behind-the-scenes work to prepare for tougher national regulation of social housing.

The Housing Board Annual Report, presented to councillors this month, reviews performance between December 2024 and November 2025.

It shows tenant satisfaction has increased by 5% over the year and now sits above the national average.

Rent arrears remain low, at just over 2% of rent due, beating council targets, while the take-up of digital services continues to grow, with more than 60% of tenants now using the online housing portal.

Safety and compliance feature strongly in the report, as social landlords nationally prepare for strengthened regulation.

The council has introduced a single, consolidated Housing Revenue Account action plan to track improvements, alongside refreshed performance scorecards, independent audits and a mock inspection against the new consumer standards.

New legal requirements around damp and mould have also been built into its approach.

Investment in existing homes has continued at pace. Over the year, hundreds of properties have benefited from upgrades including new kitchens and bathrooms, replacement windows, improved insulation, heating improvements and the installation of solar panels.

The work is aimed not only at improving comfort, but also at cutting energy bills and reducing carbon emissions.

Housebuilding is also progressing – more than 440 council homes have now been completed across the first three phases of the programme, with further homes planned through new developments, purchases and partnerships with private developers.

Cabinet member for strategic planning, development management and housing Cllr Adrian Foster said: “Good council housing is about safety, security and trust.

“We’re seeing rising satisfaction, low rent arrears and continued investment in homes and communities. Just as importantly, we’re strengthening our governance and data so we can respond quickly, transparently and effectively to issues when they arise.”

The Housing Board, made up of councillors, tenants and independent members, provides ongoing scrutiny of the service.