In his first week in the job, new housing secretary Michael Gove took aim at the quality of social housing. Describing the current quality as 'scandalously poor', Gove also suggested that incentives may be implemented for standards to improve.

The new housing secretary went on to say, 'there are people who are living in conditions which are overcrowded...living in conditions affected by damp and other factors, which hold back the flourishing of children and families."

In recent months, primarily supported by the investigations of ITV News, social housing has come under increased scrutiny. Despite setting out a proposal to increase regulations in the sector back in October 2020, no date has yet been provided for the legislation needed.


Gove went on to comment on how he believes some people may be stuck in a situation whereby they live in social housing for most of their adult lives. Therefore the need for adequate regulations is a must to protect those in such a situation.

When summarising what his department will be working on in the coming months, Gove stated. "investing more in urban regeneration...a better deal for those in social housing...and helping those who currently rent to own their own homes."

"Our mission will also mean keeping faith in the victims of Grenfell. honouring their memory, making everyone's home greener and sharing the cost of that work more fairly."

Mr Gove made all the right noises in his opening statement; however, how long change will take and indeed how stringently legislation will be enforced upon social housing providers is very much a case of, let's wait and see.

If you are a tenant who is struggling with the standard of your home, we are here to help! Simply fill out our contact form, and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

 

 

Being responsible for over 800 different housing associations certainly isn't easy work. However, 2021 has witnessed the NHF holding their hands up and accepting their mistakes. It has also produced new regulations that will hopefully see the standard of exempt accommodation rise in the future.

It's no secret that the NHF would have done anything possible to avoid another year like 2021. The federation has promised changes across the board, resulting in better living standards for all. It has been said that they will hold the right to refuse entry to any association looking to enter the sector for the wrong reasons. The NHF will also remove existing members if they don't adhere to the new proposed ethos.

Problems with exempt accommodation

The change comes in response to the amount of exempt accommodation across the UK. Exempt accommodation is often used to house those who have little to no other options. For example, prison leavers, refugees, substance abusers, etc. Due to the minor level of care the associations provide, those living in exempt accommodation cannot access housing benefits. Housing associations are therefore charging more than regular landlords.

The NHF has received numerous reports highlighting some exempt accommodation as unsafe. Tenants have also claimed they have not received the support and help they were promised.

Whilst looking into exempt accommodation, they have also found links between not-for-profit housing and for-profit landlords. The problems are there for all to see, and the NHF has acted as quickly as possible to rectify them. With the new regulations coming into play as early as September.

NHF statement

In a statement from the chair of the NHF, Baroness Diana Warwick, she highlighted the great work of some providers. 

"I am immensely proud of the amazing supported housing providers we represent, which deliver excellent services against an incredibly challenging environment. But they must not be confused with the actions of landlords entering the supported housing market for the wrong reasons. Primarily to make a profit instead of helping individuals and their local communities."

As The NHF strengthen their stance on those cutting corners, it's time that the negligent and rule-bending associations do likewise.

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Eldonian Community Based Housing Association (CBHA). A Liverpool-based housing association which is responsible for just under 400 homes, was found non-compliant this past week.

More housing associations have come under scrutiny in the past few months. Largely in the shadow of what is best labelled a 'disaster' few months for Clarion. The housing giants failure to provide adequate living conditions for tenants has led to national criticism, and rightly so! Furthermore, it has also tightened the screw on other negligent associations. Meaning tenants may finally start to see the conditions they deserve.

The main issues arose for Eldonian, when it was found they had failed to disclose a governance report. The report from October 2020 had not been witnessed by the regulations committee. The 2020 report concluded... "the management committee did not understand its responsibilities. Nor was it meeting the regulatory standards".

2020 had seen the retirement of multiple vital figures within the Eldonian structure. All responsibilities were then left to a board of interim officers. The regulation committee identified "a serious breakdown in the governance, operations and control framework of the provider…potentially putting tenants and social housing at risk".

The Regulator of Social Housing also stated they "will continue to engage with Eldonian CBHA as it seeks to become compliant with the regulatory standards." They will also "consider whether any further regulatory action is required."

When those in control of the living conditions of so many people can't keep their own house in order, what hope do those tenants have? It's continually upsetting to see so many housing associations getting it wrong. However, with our help, we aim to make sure all of those wronged tenants can get the support they deserve.

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