RSH Grades Newcastle and Nottingham City Councils C3
The Regulator of Social Housing has conducted thorough investigations and found significant shortcomings in the consumer standards compliance of Newcastle City Council and Nottingham City Council.
This grading, effective as of January 15, 2025, reflects serious issues that need immediate attention.
Specific Failings Identified
Newcastle City Council’s self-referrals in January, May, and September 2024 revealed over 1,800 overdue repair cases, including more than 1,000 cases involving damp and mould. The council also lacks current electrical condition reports for about half of its communal areas and a quarter of its homes.
Additionally, there are over 850 overdue fire safety remedial actions and a lack of up-to-date information on home conditions and tenant needs.
Nottingham City Council faces similar issues, including a lack of accurate data on stock quality, nearly 1,000 live disrepair cases, and weaknesses in gas safety checks and smoke and carbon monoxide detection compliance.
Broader Implications for Tenant Safety and Well-being
These findings highlight critical gaps in the maintenance and safety of social housing, which directly impact the well-being and safety of tenants. Effective governance, accurate data management, and proactive maintenance are essential for ensuring tenants live in safe and decent homes.
Statistics
- Over 1,800 overdue repair cases in Newcastle City Council
- Almost 40% of Nottingham City Council’s homes not surveyed for over ten years
- Over 850 overdue fire safety remedial actions in Newcastle City Council
Regulatory Response
Having an effective repairs service and keeping accurate data are both vital for keeping tenants safe in their homes, especially when it comes to serious issues such as fire safety as well as damp and mould.
Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH.
The RSH is working intensively with both councils to address these issues and ensure compliance with the new consumer standards introduced on April 1, 2024, under the Social Housing Regulation Act 2023.
Progress and Targets
- Newcastle City Council aims to complete a stock condition survey by June 2027 and update its long-term HRA plan by April 2025
- Nottingham City Council is working to improve data integrity and tenant involvement in decision-making processes
- Both councils are developing recovery plans to move from a C3 to a C2 grading
Local Impact
The issues identified in Newcastle and Nottingham City Councils have significant local implications. For instance, the backlog of damp and mould cases and the lack of current electrical condition reports pose immediate health and safety risks to tenants.
The councils’ plans to address these gaps, including updating policies and conducting thorough surveys, are crucial for restoring trust and ensuring the well-being of their tenants.
Immediate Implications
The C3 grading serves as a wake-up call for both councils, emphasizing the need for immediate and significant improvements. The ongoing engagement with RSH and the development of recovery plans are steps in the right direction but require sustained effort and commitment to achieve compliance.
Broader Significance
This regulatory action underscores the importance of robust regulation in the social housing sector. The new consumer standards and the RSH’s proactive approach aim to drive long-term improvements, ensuring that all social housing landlords provide safe, decent, and well-maintained homes for their tenants.
