The Regulator of Social Housing has given Anchor a G3 grade for governance after an investigation found “issues of serious regulatory concern”.
The downgrading comes as the RSH found insufficient evidence that Anchor has an appropriate, robust and prudent risk and control framework and that it has adequately managed and addressed key risks relating to landlord health and safety.
The RSH says that there is also insufficient assurance that Anchor’s data is robust and that systems and processes are adequate to ensure key information is monitored and accurately reported.
Anchor has identified that there have been errors in its landlord health and safety compliance performance reporting and is undertaking a review of its data, which is ongoing.
In February, Anchor received a C3 consumer grading after the RSH discovered serious failings in its delivery of the consumer standards. Anchor was then placed on the gradings – under review list while the RSH investigated further issues relating to governance.
The RSH also published a range of other regulatory judgements today, including a C3 grading for Slough Borough Council.
Following an inspection, RSH found that Slough Borough Council lacked meaningful tenant engagement and provided limited performance information for tenants. It also found that the council could not demonstrate how homes were allocated in a fair and transparent way.
First Garden Cities Homes and Southway Housing Trust were both downgraded to a G2 governance grading and were regraded to V2 for viability. Both received C2 gradings.
Pickering and Ferens Homes received C1/G1/V1 gradings and Tuntum Housing Association Limited received C2/G1/V2 gradings.
Kate Dodsworth, chief of regulatory engagement at RSH, said: “Good governance is critical for delivering good services and keeping tenants safe in their homes. All landlords need to make sure they have strong governance and controls in place in order to have a better grasp of strategic risks.”
“Equally, delivering the outcomes of the new consumer standards is vital for tenants’ health and safety and making sure their voices are heard. Our programme of proactive inspections is helping bring issues to light so they can be put right as soon as possible.”
In response to being given the G3 grade, Amanda Holgate, interim chief executive of Anchor said: “We apologise for the shortcomings identified and recognise the concern and distress they may have caused residents and their families.”
“We welcome the regulator’s clarity and engagement. We fully accept the judgement and are committed to delivering the improvements required to restore confidence in our services and governance processes.”
“Following our voluntary self-referral, we acted swiftly by implementing a robust improvement plan and are making good progress. Our residents’ safety and trust remain paramount, and our focus remains on delivering safe, high-quality homes and services.”
“We are working closely with the regulator, our residents, colleagues and external advisors to ensure that our improvement plan continues at pace, is effective and addresses the issues highlighted by the regulator.”
