Yorkshire council is first to receive top grade for consumer standards from Regulator of Social Housing after inspection

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council has become the first local authority to receive a C1 grading – the highest possible – following an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) against its new consumer standards, which were introduced in April this year.

Barnsley was one of seven social housing landlords to receive regulatory judgements this week. Previously only housing associations have received a C1 grading.

Sandwell Council was given a C3 grading, meaning it had failed to meet the standards and would need to make significant improvements.

In relation to Sandwell, the RSH said:

• The council was only able to evidence that required asbestos management surveys or re-inspections had been carried out on around 2% of relevant buildings
• Although electrical safety inspections had been completed for 96% of its 27,900 homes, the council was unable to monitor or report on the completion of remedial actions.
• There was a backlog of more than 14,000 overdue repairs, with over 90% of these yet to be assigned for completion.
• Accurate, up-to-date information was available for only 5% of the council’s homes.

Earlier this month the London Borough of Newham was handed a C4 grade – the lowest possible – meaning “there are very serious failings and fundamental changes are needed”.

Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said: “Improving data management can help address the root cause of many of the issues we see. Without accurate, up-to-date information on homes, it is nearly impossible to deliver the outcomes of our standards and provide safe, decent places to live for tenants.

“Today’s judgements reflect the range of grades we are seeing across the spectrum in the early days of our new consumer remit. We are working intensively with each of the landlords where there are failings, as they put things right for their tenants.”

She added: “Even when a landlord has been awarded a C1 grading, there is always room for improvement.

“Our governance and financial viability standards remain as important as ever. Landlords need to keep a tight grip on identifying and mitigating risks to avoid problems now and later down the line.”

Cllr Robin Franklin, Barnsley's Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: "We’re incredibly proud that we have received such a positive result and are the first local authority to be graded a C1.

“This outcome gives us a really good sense of what is going well and reflects our dedication to improving housing services, providing safe and warm homes, and putting our tenants at the heart of everything we do.

“However, while we celebrate this milestone, we’re not complacent and we know there are still areas where we can and will improve, working with tenants and partners to get the best for Barnsley."

Amanda Garrard, Chief Executive of arms-length management organisation Berneslai Homes, said: “We welcomed the changes brought to housing regulation in recent years and we’re really encouraged by the outcome of the inspection here in Barnsley during a challenging time for the whole sector.

“It provides an opportunity to reflect on and feel proud about what’s working well whilst also understanding our weaknesses and identifying those areas where we can do better to deliver the best service we can to customers.

“We’re determined to address the ongoing challenges of maintaining an older housing stock, including improvements to the repairs and maintenance service, as we understand the impact this has on customers. We’re committed to moving forward together with tenants, making sure that more and different voices are heard, helping to meet their evolving needs and shaping better services for everyone.”

Harry Rodd