Key facts
- Consumer grading
- C2
- Regulator
- Regulator of Social Housing (RSH)
- Social homes owned
- Around 5,500
- Key improvement areas
- Limited understanding of home conditions; oversight of repairs and damp and mould cases
- Good practice areas
- Accessible senior leadership; flexible support for vulnerable tenants; tenant engagement opportunities
Background
Newark and Sherwood District Council has been awarded a C2 consumer grading by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) following an inspection that included a detailed review of documents and on-site interviews with senior officers, tenants, staff and councillors.
The RSH issues gradings from C1, where consumer standards are fully met, to C4, where there are very serious failings. The C2 grading indicates that improvements are needed in some areas.
The council owns around 5,500 social homes. The inspection covered the council's delivery of consumer standards, including safety and quality, and transparency, influence and accountability.
Current situation
The regulator found that the council is meeting legal health and safety requirements for tenants' homes and communal areas, is investing in its homes, has a 'positive and respectful culture' towards tenants, and is actively addressing its weaknesses.
However, the RSH said: 'Our judgement is that there are some weaknesses in the landlord delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards and improvement is needed.' Areas of improvement include the council's limited understanding of the condition of all its homes, as well as the need to strengthen oversight of repairs and damp and mould cases.
The council has also been told to revisit and enhance service standards so tenants know what to expect and can hold the authority to account, and to provide evidence of delivery of a programme for tenant scrutiny of services.
Impacts
The C2 grading means the council must work with the regulator to address the identified issues. Tenants may be affected by improvements in how the council responds to repairs and damp and mould cases, as well as clearer service standards.
The council has already introduced a damp and mould team ahead of the introduction of Awaab's Law, reshaped its repairs service, and launched a new online self-service repairs platform. These measures are intended to improve service delivery for tenants.
The regulator also recognised several areas of good practice, including accessible senior leadership, a flexible approach to supporting vulnerable tenants, and opportunities for tenants to influence services through groups such as an engagement board, housing advisory board, tenant engagement champions and community link groups.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
The council is working with the RSH to address the issues identified. Cllr Lee Brazier, portfolio holder for housing, said the council will soon carry out a tenant census to better understand tenants, has launched a tenant influence and assurance board, and is completing its full stock condition programme.
If the council successfully addresses the weaknesses, it could improve its consumer grading in future inspections. However, if progress is insufficient, the regulator may take further action.
The council's continued dialogue with the RSH will be important in determining whether it meets all the requirements of the consumer standards. The outcome may depend on the effectiveness of the planned improvements and the council's ability to demonstrate progress.
Source: newarkadvertiser.co.uk
