Purpose

To provide Cabinet with an update on progress made towards meeting the outcomes of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, including revised consumer standards.

Decision

1. That Cabinet notes the progress made in addressing areas of weakness identified in the Regulator of Social Housings C2 judgement of the Council against the Consumer Standards as part of its proactive regulatory inspection regime.
2. That Cabinet approves changing the frequency of this report, and its accompanying appendix (Tenant Engagement and Impact Assessment report) to 6 monthly, and that the HRA Governance Framework is updated accordingly to reflect this change.
3. That Cabinet notes the quarterly Tenant Engagement Impact Assessment Report. (included as appendix B)

Reasons for the decision

To provide oversight, awareness and assurance of the Councils compliance with regulatory requirements as a Social Landlord.

This approach reflects the maturing position of the improvement programme while ensuring continued oversight through regular Portfolio Holder engagement and quarterly reporting to the Housing Transformation Board.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing – to retain progress updates through operational arrangements with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing. This option is not considered to be appropriate as the Regulator of Social Housing is clear that Councillors are responsible for ensuring that the Council, in its role as a registered provider, is meeting the regulatory standards set.