Councils in England face clampdown on four-day working weeks

"The independent report shows that performance declined in key housing-related services including rent collection, reletting times and tenant satisfaction with repairs, especially where vulnerable residents may be affected, he wrote. If social housing is being built by this government and your team are unable to move residents into them so that they are standing empty then I must reiterate my deep disappointment with your conduct."

"I am therefore seeking assurance about the arrangements your council has in place to consider the impacts of your policy and that value for money for residents is being delivered, he wrote. In particular, I would like to understand how the council is seeking to mitigate the impact to those services which have worsened over the course of the four-day working week trial. I would like you to meet with my officials in the coming w"

Steve Reed, the local government secretary, has intervened after South Cambridgeshire piloted a four-day working week for council staff, warning the policy damaged performance. Reed highlighted an independent report showing declines in rent collection, reletting times and tenant satisfaction with repairs, and expressed concern for vulnerable residents and empty social housing. Reed questioned offering full pay for reduced hours and requested assurances that value for money and service delivery are being protected, seeking meetings with officials. The council leader disputed performance declines and said staff completed all work in 32 hours weekly.

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