Regulation

A local authority has been awarded a C3 grading by the Regulator of Social Housing after it uncovered “potentially material” health and safety issues.

The RSH investigation into Portsmouth City Council found:

  • Over 1,000 outstanding fire remedial actions
  • Over 85% of its homes have not had an electrical condition test for over five years, a number of which are located in high-risk communal blocks
  • Less than 40% of its homes had been surveyed within the last five years, more than a third had been surveyed more than ten years ago, and nearly 10% had no record at all. Additionally, stock condition surveys undertaken prior to 2024 did not include an assessment of hazards
  • A lack of clarity for tenants as to what they can expect in terms of the repairs service.

As a result, the council was deemed to have failed to meet the outcomes of the consumer standards, in particular those relating to the Safety and Quality Standard.

RSH’s responsive engagement with Portsmouth CC began in August 2024, after information in the council’s Fire Safety Remediation Survey return indicated potentially material issues.

Although RSH’s initial engagement focused on fire safety, Portsmouth CC was then asked to provide further information on wider aspects of landlord health and safety and, following a self-assessment, the council made a self-referral to RSH in September 2024.

Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said: “The health and safety of tenants is non-negotiable.

“Providing safe, decent homes for tenants starts with accurate, up-to-date data. Without this, it is impossible to deliver the right services to residents.

“Portsmouth City Council has engaged constructively with us and we welcome their transparency in making a self-referral. This is the first step towards addressing the serious failings identified and making significant improvements.”

RSH also published regulatory judgements from proactive inspections for two landlords.

Aspire Housing received a C1 for its first consumer grading, as well as being upgraded to a G1 governance grading and retaining its V2 viability grading.

Sanctuary Housing Association received a C2 grading, and retained its G1 and V2 gradings.

RSH published a further 12 regulatory judgements through its stability check programme, with Incommunities Limited and Magenta Living both regraded from V1 to V2. The remaining 10 landlords retained their viability and governance ratings.