In a regulatory notice published today (21 July 2023 ), the Regulator of Social Housing has concluded that the London Borough of Camden has breached its consumer standards.
The regulator's investigation revealed that over 9,000 fire safety actions are overdue in social homes owned by the Council.
The regulator also found that over 9,000 homes do not have a smoke alarm installed and around 4,000 homes do not have a carbon monoxide detector fitted.
The evidence demonstrates a failure by the Council to complete all fire safety actions in a timely manner and to mitigate the risks to tenants in the meantime.
The regulator expects the Council to take urgent action to address these failings. The council is now engaging with the regulator as it works to return to compliance.
Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:
Through our investigation, we found that Camden Council has failed to address thousands of fire safety actions in its tenants' homes. This is unacceptable and has put tenants at potential risk of harm. The Council needs to act urgently to put things right, and we will scrutinise it closely as it does this.
Our findings send a clear message to all social landlords that meeting health and safety requirements is of paramount importance. Tenants deserve to live in safe and decent homes, and we will take action when landlords breach our standards.
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RSH promotes a viable, efficient and well-governed social housing sector able to deliver and maintain homes of appropriate quality that meet a range of needs. It does this by undertaking robust economic regulation focusing on governance, financial viability and value for money that maintains lender confidence and protects the taxpayer. It also sets consumer standards and may take action if these standards are breached and there is a significant risk of serious detriment to tenants or potential tenants.
