Bracknell Council Plans Return to Housing Provision

Council homes could return to Bracknell Forest for the first time in nearly two decades after councillors unanimously agreed to apply to become a registered provider of social housing on Tuesday (November 3).

That would let the council hold its own housing stock, build homes and rent directly to residents.

Around 1,000 families or individuals were on the housing waiting list at the end of September, and the meeting heard that number is projected to more than double over the next two years.

Councillor Georgia Pickering said becoming a registered provider could make a "real, lasting difference" to residents struggling to find a suitable home.

"Bracknell Forest is seen to be a desirable place to live, but that comes at a price for those growing up here and hoping to put down roots. It is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many. There were 1,000 households on the housing register at the end of September and that number is expected to more than double over coming years. Behind every one of those numbers is a family or an individual person waiting for a home."

The council once had its own supply of council housing but it was sold or transferred to Bracknell Forest Homes, now Silva Homes, in 2008 and it has not directly provided housing since.

Pickering said that earlier decisions were taken in "very different financial circumstances" and that being a registered provider would give the council more flexibility, including bigger family properties and accessible homes for people with disabilities.

The housing needs assessment has highlighted particular demand for three and four-bedroom homes. "We should not simply build whatever is easiest or cheapest to deliver. We should build homes that meet these needs specifically," Cllr Pickering said.

Cabinet also agreed to return £2.86m, previously allocated to help a registered provider buy eight affordable homes, to the council's unallocated affordable housing fund. The money was approved in November 2025 but the provider no longer has the capacity to deliver the scheme.

Pickering stressed the decision is not a commitment to buy or build yet; any plans would need to return to cabinet with costs and funding details. Council officer Brian Daley said the authority has applied to Homes England for up to £500,000 to help develop potential housebuilding schemes and expects to hear in December.

Council leader Councillor Helen Purnell called the move a "huge leap" towards owning its housing stock again. Pickering added: "If we don't take the first steps, we'll be having the same conversation in five or 10 years' time." She said: "We want young people who grow up here to have a realistic opportunity to remain in the borough, we want families to have the space they need and older people to have homes suited to their needs."

Katie French, Local Democracy Reporter