The London Borough of Brent has been handed a C3 grading by the Regulator of Social Housing for failing to meet its consumer standards.
Brent Council made a self-referral in April over concerns in the quality and accuracy of its fire safety data.
Following an investigation, the council found that, although actions from fire risk assessments had been closed, evidence of completion was not available in all instances and that some actions had not been completed.
The RSH’s engagement with the Brent council also found:
- Data for fire safety, smoke and carbon monoxide safety, asbestos management and water safety could not be reconciled.
- Concerns about the data validation process that took place prior to LB Brent implementing its new asset management system.
- Although LB Brent is reporting that it has 95% of its stock condition data, almost half of its homes have not had a recorded survey.
The RSH says that it will continue to engage with the London Borough of Brent as it seeks to address the issues identified, including evidencing that it is taking reasonable steps to mitigate risks to tenants as it creates and delivers its improvement plan.
The RSH also downgraded Metropolitan Housing Trust from G1 to G2, meaning that it meets governance requirements overall but needs to improve some aspects to continue to achieve compliance.
The RSH noted that improvements are needed in how the board assures itself around the delivery of outcomes of the Safety and Quality standard, and the quality of its stress testing and mitigation strategies. Metropolitan Housing Trust was also awarded C2 and V2 gradings for consumer standards and viability.
Kate Dodsworth, chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said: Accurate, up-to-date data is fundamental to landlords delivering safe, decent homes for tenants. LB Brent has engaged positively with us since their self-referral and we will continue to work closely with them as they put things right for tenants.”
“Our scrutiny of housing associations’ governance and viability is vital to ensuring landlords are managing their risks effectively. Things can go wrong without robust board challenge and rigorous stress testing. We will continue to regulate for a sector that is well run and viable, to enable more and better homes for tenants.”
