The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has set out how it proposes to “update and future-proof” economic regulation to help the sector deliver “more and better” social homes.

RSH this week set out its plans in a new paper and is looking to engage with the sector about the changes, challenges and tensions that exist in achieving this.

According to the regulator, to deliver more and better social homes, landlords should maintain a clear focus on social housing, operate with sufficient independence to manage risks effectively, and remain financially resilient.

Social housing organisations should be well-run, with strong leadership and governance, and have the capacity to deliver consistently. Crucially, structures should also ensure that if things go wrong, tenants and homes stay protected, RSH adds.

To build on the success of its revised consumer regulation, RSH says it needs to ensure that its framework and economic regulation also keep pace with the sector’s growth, diversification and complexity – balancing support with managing new and emerging risks.

This could see RSH look to strengthen accountability and outcomes by setting clearer expectations, using better data to target risks early, and taking a more focused, adaptive regulatory approach that drives efficiency, resilience, and long-term protection of social housing.

RSH intends to launch a formal consultation on revised economic standards in 2027, following its conversations with the sector.

RSH Chief Executive Jonathan Walters, said: “Our focus is simple: a more efficient, financially resilient social housing sector – and a modern regulator that drives it.

“We want landlords who invest for the long term, improve safety and quality, manage risk, and deliver more and better homes for current and future tenants.

“We are inviting a sector-wide conversation on the challenges ahead and how regulation can better support the delivery of more and better social homes for the future.”