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Cabinet were pleased to receive a report concerning
the on-site inspection of the Housing Service by the Regulator of
Social Housing which took place in September 2024, following which
the Council had received a very strong C2 grading.

The Leader thanked all the officers involved in the
inspection as well as the Portfolio Holders for Housing and
Resources for their involvement in the inspection which had
involved a substantial amount of work.

It was noted that throughout the Country only one
Local Authority had achieved a C1 rating and only nine had received
a C2 rating.  Members congratulated all
those involved.  Improvement Plans were
in place for those areas identified for improvements in the Service
and a further meeting in the new year would take place with the
Regulator to develop a provider improvement plan with the aim of
moving the Council to a C1 grading when the next inspection took
place in 4 years time.

It was RESOLVED:

1.              
That the Regulatory Judgement of a C2 Grade issued
by the Regulator of Social Housing on the 27 November 2024,
following a proactive planned inspection of Stevenage Borough
Council, as a Registered Social Landlord be noted.
2.              
That the ongoing work in place which will include
actions to ensure continuous improvement to address both the areas
of improvement required as part of the inspection process but to
also complete the improvement plans already in place as considered
by the Regulator as part of their Inspection be
endorsed.
3.              
That delegated authority be given to Strategic
Director (RP) after consultation with the Portfolio Holder for
Housing to develop and approve a Provider Improvement Plan with the
Regulator for Social Housing.
4.              
That the Executive Housing Working Group receive
progress updates on the planned improvements on a bi-monthly
basis.
5.              
That the efforts of the Leader, Members and Officers
be congratulated for the achievement of a C2 grade and the strong
level of assurance of the housing service that this judgement
provides.
 
Reason for Decision: As contained in the report.
Other Options
considered:As contained in
the report