Two councils fail tenants over housing standards

Two councils have been found to be seriously failing their tenants, with one also criticised for failing to tell the housing regulator promptly about its significant problems.

Repairs and safety were among the concerns at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, while Thanet District Council fell short on housing conditions and tackling anti-social behaviour.

Both received C3 consumer grades from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), meaning serious failings require significant improvement.

The findings were among judgements published for 10 social landlords.

Repairs and accountability failings

At Nuneaton and Bedworth, inspectors found significant improvements were needed in repairs, health and safety, and transparency and accountability.

The Warwickshire council’s failure to communicate material issues to RSH promptly was highlighted alongside weaknesses in complaints handling and how it meets tenants’ diverse needs.

Meanwhile, Thanet’s most significant problems concerned the quality and condition of its homes and its failure to demonstrate timely or appropriate action to deter and tackle anti-social behaviour.

However, the Kent council met expectations in several areas, including repairs, health and safety, tenancy services, and transparency and accountability.

Inspectors nevertheless identified weaknesses requiring further action.

These were the first consumer grades issued to both councils.

Swift and sustained improvement

RSH deputy chief executive Kate Dodsworth said: “Landlords are responsible for providing safe, decent homes and listening to residents.

“Our inspections found serious failings that are having a real impact on tenants.”

She added: “Where standards fall short, we will hold landlords to account and expect swift and sustained improvement.”

Elsewhere, PA Housing, which owns 24,000 homes across London, Surrey and the East Midlands, improved its consumer grade from C2 to C1.

The association strengthened repairs and planned maintenance, improved controls supporting safe and responsive services, and made better use of information about tenants’ needs.

Northamptonshire-based Greatwell Homes and Stockton-on-Tees-based North Star Housing Group received C1 grades in their first assessments.

All three associations retained their G1 governance and V2 financial viability ratings.