Following programmed inspections, Cross Keys Homes, LiveWest Homes, Midland Heart, and Thirteen Housing Group all received C1/G1/V1 gradings. Places for People Group received C1/G1/V2 gradings.
As well as its G1/V2 gradings, Together Housing Group received a C2, meaning that there are some weaknesses in its delivery of the outcomes of the consumer standards and improvement is needed, specifically in relation to the outcomes in our Safety and Quality Standard.
Together Housing Group needs to demonstrate progress in the delivery of the remainder of its programme of physical inspections to fill remaining gaps in understanding the condition of its homes including on decent homes standard compliance.
RSH’s inspection also identified improvement needed in reporting arrangements for landlord health & safety in relation to the level of detail provided on remedial actions.
Cross Keys Homes was regraded from a V2 to V1 and RSH was assured that financial plans are consistent with, and support, its financial strategy. It retained its G1 grading.
Cross Keys also evidenced that it has an adequately funded business plan, sufficient security in place to support its financial plans, and forecasts that it will continue to meet its financial covenants under a wide range of adverse scenarios.
Following a two-year period of intensive engagement, RSH has now given Rochdale Boroughwide Housing a G2 grading for governance and removed a previous regulatory notice.
Through this engagement RSH has sought assurance that Rochdale Boroughwide Housing’s new leadership team has strengthened the way the organisation is run, to address the failings which led to Awaab Ishak’s tragic death and improve its service to tenants.
A G2 grading means Rochdale Boroughwide Housing meets RSH’s governance requirements overall but needs to make improvements to ensure progress continues. RSH will continue to actively engage with the provider and monitor its ongoing improvement plan.
RSH also removed regulatory notices for Babergh District Council and Mid-Suffolk District Council.
The other providers – LiveWest Homes, Midland Heart, Places for People Group and Thirteen Housing Group – retained their previous governance and financial viability gradings.
Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:
“Even landlords which receive the highest gradings still have room for improvement. As we enter the second year of our inspection programme, we are looking for evidence of a proactive approach to meeting the outcomes of our standards.
“All landlords should aim for G1. Strong governance is fundamental to delivering more and better homes, improving services to tenants while having robust finances.”
Notes to Editors
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On 1 April 2024 RSH introduced new consumer standards for social housing landlords, designed to drive long-term improvements in the sector. It also began a programme of inspections for all large social landlords (those with over 1,000 homes) over a four-year cycle. The changes are a result of the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023 and include stronger powers to hold landlords to account. More information about RSH’s approach is available in its document Reshaping Consumer Regulation.
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More information about RSH’s responsive engagement, programmed inspections and consumer gradings is also available on its website.
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RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver more and better social homes. It does this by setting standards and carrying out robust regulation focusing on driving improvement in social landlords, including local authorities, and ensuring that housing associations are well-governed, financially viable and offer value for money. It takes appropriate action if the outcomes of the standards are not being delivered.
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For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk. For media enquiries please see our Media Enquiries page.
