Social housing provider downgraded for governance failures

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has lowered social housing provider Anchor’s governance rating to G3, highlighting lapses in its risk management and data reliability.

The downgrade follows an investigation that revealed critical weaknesses in Anchor’s ability to maintain a robust and prudent risk and control framework, particularly in ensuring landlord health and safety compliance.

The RSH also identified deficiencies in the provider’s data integrity and its systems for monitoring and reporting key information.

Anchor acknowledged inaccuracies in its health and safety compliance reporting and is currently conducting a thorough review of its data processes.

Keeping tenants safe

RSH’s chief of regulatory engagement, Kate Dodsworth, said: “Good governance is critical for delivering good services and keeping tenants safe in their homes.

“All landlords need to make sure they have strong governance and controls in place in order to have a better grasp of strategic risks.

“Equally, delivering the outcomes of the new consumer standards is vital for tenants’ health and safety and making sure their voices are heard.”

The regulator’s move follows an earlier C3 consumer grading in February, prompted by serious shortcomings in meeting consumer standards.

That led to Anchor’s placement on the RSH’s gradings-under-review list for further scrutiny of its governance practices.

Apology for Anchor’s shortcomings

Anchor’s interim chief executive, Amanda Holgate, said: “We apologise for the shortcomings identified and recognise the concern and distress they may have caused residents and their families.

“We welcome the regulator’s clarity and engagement.

“We fully accept the judgement and are committed to delivering the improvements required to restore confidence in our services and governance processes.”

She added: “Our residents’ safety and trust remain paramount, and our focus remains on delivering safe, high-quality homes and services.”

Other providers downgraded

The RSH also issued judgements on other housing providers including Slough Borough Council which received a C3 grading after inspections revealed inadequate tenant engagement and a lack of transparency in home allocation processes.

First Garden Cities Homes and Southway Housing Trust were both assigned G2 governance and C2 consumer gradings, alongside V2 viability ratings.

Meanwhile, Pickering and Ferens Homes earned top-tier C1, G1, and V1 gradings, while Tuntum Housing Association Limited was rated C2, G1, and V2.

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