Social housing regulatory grade updated

The Regulator has confirmed that the Council’s consumer regulatory grade has been upgraded from C4 to C3, following a period of ongoing engagement after an inspection in December 2024.

The judgement recognises progress made, particularly in relation to health and safety and property condition but is clear that further improvement is required, notably in relation to tenancy services and transparency, influence and accountability. The judgement reflects issues that have developed over a period of many years, meaning that while progress has been made, sustained improvement is required in order to achieve a higher regulatory rating.

The Regulator notes that the Council has:

•    Made progress in addressing the most serious safety risks to tenants
•    Brought the management of housing safety and condition back in house
•    Strengthened performance monitoring and oversight of repairs and maintenance
•    Begun implementing systems to improve the quality and use of housing data

The Council welcomes the Regulator’s judgement and remains committed to ongoing, intensive engagement with them as it continues to deliver its Housing Improvement Programme.

The full regulatory judgement is available on the Regulator of Social Housing’s website.