‘SERIOUS failings’ have been found in how Rugby Borough Council (RBC) manages its council homes.
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) said ‘significant improvement’ was needed after it found areas in which the council has failed to meet consumer standards.
RBC was found lacking in its assurance around property condition, oversight of repairs performance, tenant engagement, and the accessibility of service information.
Inspectors found that RBC had identified 800 homes with Electrical Installation Condition Reports over five years old – and 600 homes without a smoke alarm.
The RSH also found the council could not fully analyse the results of stock condition surveys which it had commissioned for 86 per cent of its homes, because it only held partial data.
The regulator reported that, although 99.54 per cent of homes met the Decent Homes Standard, this could not be verified against survey information.
The council was given a grade of C3 – meaning it does not meet governance requirements due to ‘issues of serious regulatory concern’, and must engage with RSH to address failings and weaknesses.
Inspectors also highlighted strengths in the council’s partnership work to tackle anti-social behaviour and hate incidents, confirmed that homes were allocated in a fair and transparent way, and observed a respectful approach to tenants.
Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said: “Our inspections continue to highlight significant gaps in some landlords’ understanding of tenants and their homes, reinforcing the need for accurate, up-to-date information to ensure safe, decent housing.
“We will continue to hold landlords to account, and drive continuous improvement, to ensure tenants live in good quality homes and receive effective services.”
RBC said a stock condition survey had been 87 per cent completed, £850,000 of additional funding approved for repairs, and investment made in a new asset management system since the inspection last October.
A stronger performance management framework and new tenant engagement framework had also been introduced.
The council also highlighted that it had referred itself to the regulator over the accuracy and completeness of repairs information ahead of the inspection.
Coun Claire Edwards, RBC’s portfolio holder for Communities, Homes, Safety, and Regulation, said: “When I became Portfolio Holder, it was clear that significant work was needed to ensure our housing services were operating at the standard our tenants deserve. Over the past 18 months we have invested in our services, strengthened engagement with tenants, and progressed major improvements to our repairs service.
“We welcome the regulator’s assessment and see it as an important part of our improvement journey. We remain committed to investing in our workforce and systems, and to working closely with tenants as we continue to strengthen our housing services.”
Coun Noreen New, Rugby Borough Council Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Communities, Homes, Safety, and Regulation, said it was important for the council to be open about where services need to improve.
She added: “The Regulator’s findings set a clear benchmark for the standards our tenants should expect, and work is already underway to ensure those changes make a tangible difference.
“We will continue to provide transparent updates on progress and ensure that tenant voices are central as these changes are delivered.”
The council will send all its tenants an overview of the RSH’s findings in its tenant newsletter. Visit https://tinyurl.com/3tyw2694 to read the full findings.
