Secure, decent homes — fairer access, higher standards, and housing that works for the community.
Housing is one of the biggest pressures facing residents — whether you rent, own with a mortgage, or are trying to get on the ladder. In Reigate & Banstead, housing costs are high, and when rents rise faster than wages, people can feel trapped: unable to move, unable to save, and anxious about what happens if circumstances change.
A councillor can’t set national interest rates, and we can’t magically build everything overnight — but local government does have levers: planning decisions, housing delivery, support for those at risk of homelessness, private rented sector standards, and how effectively we communicate support that already exists. My focus is simple: secure, decent homes and fairer access, without losing what makes our area special.
Reigate & Banstead is a high-cost borough. The average monthly private rent locally has been around £1,609 (November 2025). For many households, that single number explains why the cost of living feels relentless. And as the borough updates its planning framework, housing need figures and delivery targets are a major local pressure point.
People often only reach out when they’re already in crisis. We want clearer, earlier signposting to support — including help for residents struggling to pay rent, and discretionary help where eligible.
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) exist to help eligible residents when housing support doesn’t cover the full rent. I want people to know about it early — not after arrears spiral.
Homelessness is traumatic and expensive. The best outcomes come from prevention: sustaining tenancies, responding to support needs early, and keeping people stable where possible.
As a councillor, I will push for practical prevention work to stay properly resourced and visible, and for residents to understand where to go for help.
Too many renters live with poor conditions they feel powerless to challenge. The council has a role in guidance, enforcement where applicable, and encouraging good landlords while tackling unacceptable standards.
“Warm, dry, safe” should be the minimum — and good standards also reduce pressure on health services and improve children’s wellbeing.
People want homes that their kids can afford — and they also want green spaces protected, good infrastructure, and developments that don’t overload local services. These things aren’t opposites; they require good planning.
I'm interested in high-quality, well-located housing, stronger sustainability standards, and making sure infrastructure and services keep pace.
New homes should be energy-efficient and cheap to run. Retrofitting older homes is harder — but improving insulation, reducing damp, and lowering bills is one of the best long-term “cost of living” interventions we can support locally.
Many working households earn “too much” for support but still struggle with rents, deposits, childcare, commuting and bills. I want a realistic conversation about how local policy and council services can work better for this group too.
Is it rent levels? Poor conditions? Availability of genuinely affordable homes? Planning and overdevelopment concerns? If you live in Redhill West, I would really like to hear what you think the priority should be.