Purpose

The report presents the Housing Improvement
Strategy, a document which sets out the longer-term approach to
service improvement, as we move from crisis/ recovery phase through
to stabilisation and thinking beyond compliance to our ambition to
become an exemplar social landlord. The Strategy establishes
internal target timescales for meeting the requirements of the
consumer standards, although actual re-grade will be dependent on
the Regulator for Social Housing’s inspection timetable. A
decision is required regarding adoption of the strategy

Decision

That the Executive Member approve the Housing
Improvement Strategy and associated Performance Framework for
adoption, outlining the Council’s strategic direction and
commitment to achieving compliance with the Consumer
Standards.

Reasons for the decision

The report details regulatory context within
which the council is operating and the link between the Housing
Improvement Plan, the Housing Service’s response to the
Regulatory Judgement issued by the RSH in September 2024 and the
creation of its Improvement Strategy and Performance
Framework.

Alternative options considered

Not to develop a Housing Improvement Strategy
was not considered to be an option. Adoption of an Improvement
Strategy was a key milestone set by the Regulator of Social Housing
in response to the Regulatory Judgement issued in September
2024.