Cabinet will review progress update on the Housing Improvement Programme
A report has been published providing a comprehensive update on the progress of the Housing Improvement Programme (HIP), which was launched in response to concerns raised by the Regulator of Social Housing.
Following the Cabinet’s approval in November 2024 to establish the Housing Improvement Programme, Castle Point Borough Council has taken decisive steps to address the C4 grading issued by the Regulator in December 2024.
Since the last update to Cabinet in June 2025, significant progress has been made across key areas of service delivery:
Repairs and maintenance
Partnering with MCP Property Services, the Council has seen continued improvement in repairs performance. Tenant feedback has been increasingly positive, and ‘work in progress’ volumes are being effectively managed.
Tenant health and safety
Compliance with the ‘Big 6’ safety areas of Asbestos, Electrical, Fire, Gas, Lifts and Water Safety has reached 100% as of 1 September 2025. A robust inspection programme is now established and remedial actions are swiftly implemented. Secondary compliance areas such as smoke detection and stairlifts are under review with remedial work taking place as issues are identified.
New policies and procedures for all ‘Big 6’ areas have been formally approved and integrated into service delivery. Quality assurance and data verification processes are now in place.
Damp, mould and condensation
A new policy for managing damp, mould and condensation was approved in June 2025 and is now operational. The Council is confident it is prepared for the forthcoming implementation of Awaab’s Law.
Sheltered accommodation
A full review of warden call systems, fire alarms and door entry systems has been completed. Procurement is underway, with installation expected to be completed by the end of the financial year. Additional reviews of communal facilities, including furniture and laundry equipment, are ongoing in consultation with tenants and wardens.
Stock condition survey
The full Stock Condition Survey programme began in May 2025 and is on course for completion by the end of November 2025.
Tenant engagement and satisfaction
The HIP Board has engaged with independent organisations Tpas and Acuity to strengthen tenant involvement and satisfaction monitoring. Efforts are underway to secure tenant representation on the HIP Board.
The Council’s Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM) for 2024 to 2025 were submitted to the Regulator in June 2025. The next wave of surveys took place in September and October 2025 with enhanced questions to better capture tenant feedback.
Policy and communication
Policy and strategy reviews continue at pace with approvals progressing through delegated and Cabinet channels. Three editions of the Tenants’ Newsletter have been distributed since February 2025, with the fourth edition scheduled for November.
Cllr Rob Lillis, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Housing, said: "We remain committed to delivering a housing service that meets the highest standards of safety, quality and tenant engagement. The rapid progress made under the Housing Improvement Programme reflects our determination to build a service our residents can trust and be proud of."
View the full report which will be presented to Cabinet on 15 October.