In a regulatory notice published today (6 March 2024), the Regulator of Social Housing concluded that Kirklees Council has failed to deliver the outcomes of the consumer standards.
Following a self-referral RSH found that, although the council had carried out fire risk assessments for all relevant blocks, 20,000 fire safety actions were overdue.
In addition, RSH found that the council had not completed over 1,500 damp and mould repairs in tenants' homes.
The council has demonstrated that it now understands its responsibilities, and is taking action to complete the overdue fire safety actions and addressing reports of damp and mould.
Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said:
All landlords must meet health and safety requirements and provide an effective repairs service for tenants. Kirklees Council failed to do this and it is now working to put things right.
The council referred itself to us and has engaged constructively. We expect all other social landlords to do the same when they find or suspect a problem, so issues can be resolved promptly.
Notes
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This regulatory notice is published in relation to RSH's existing consumer standards. From 1 April 2024, RSH will introduce new consumer standards that all landlords need to meet. This is a result of the landmark Social Housing Regulation Act that gives RSH a wider remit and powers to hold landlords to account. From April 2024, it will begin carrying out regulatory inspections of social landlords.
