Over 60% of housing associations and other registered providers experienced delays to repairs and maintenance programmes between July and September, according to the Regulator of Social Housing.

In its latest quarterly survey, RSH reports that material and labour shortages alongside cost increases have had a major impact.

Registered providers, who own or manage more than 1,000 homes, spent a combined total of £1 billion on non-capital repairs and maintenance works during the quarter.

A further £581 million was spent on capitalised major repair projects in the quarter, covering building safety and decarbonisation works. This was 27% below forecast but 15% higher than the previous quarter.

The RSH survey states: “62% of providers reported that they have experienced delays or made changes to repairs and maintenance programmes during the quarter. Of these, over 60% have reported that material or labour shortages, alongside cost increases, are a factor.

“Limited skilled labour is impacting supply chains therefore leading to longer lead times, and continued shortages in certain components are causing build delays. Price increases are forcing some providers to consider alternative suppliers and retender contracts.

“Almost 30% stated general scheme delays and around 10% related to contractor capacity and procurement issues. Due to constrained capacity, many providers are having to outsource work to subcontractors, resulting in delays relating to recruitment and price negotiations.”

Repairs and maintenance in social housing is currently in the spotlight following 12 months of national and local media reports on the poor quality of tenants’ homes across the UK.

Most recently, the findings of an inquest into the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died due to a severe respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mould in a property owned by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), were described as a “defining moment for the housing sector” by the coroner. The inquest has led to interventions by the Secretary of State for housing Michael Gove and the Regulator of Social Housing in a move to clamp down on damp and mould issues.