Estate Inspections

Area/Citywide:	Citywide
Presented by: Robert Keelan	Robert.Keelan@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Appendix:

Purpose:

Brighton & Hove City Council has introduced a programme of annual estate inspections to ensure its housing estates are safe, well-maintained, and meet the expectations of our residents.

This initiative supports te council’s commitment to improving housing quality and aligns with both resident’s priorities and national regulatory requirements.

Main body of the report:

We’re pleased to share that the Council has reintroduced a programme of estate inspections aimed at improving communal areas and enhancing the overall quality of our housing estates.

Led by uniformed Neighbourhood Officers, inspections will help identify and resolve issues such as fly tipping, structural concerns, grounds maintenance standards, and refuse management. They will also support environmental improvements through the Environmental Improvement Budget process, ensuring estates remain safe, functional, and welcoming.

The programme will also focus on:

· Enhancing green spaces

· Managing untidy gardens

· Improving the visual appearance of estates

· Supporting resident wellbeing and satisfaction

Inspections will take place every Tuesday and Thursday morning, with a timetable circulated to tenant representatives, Councillors, and other interested parties throughout October.

Residents are encouraged to participate in inspections and use them as a platform to raise concerns and suggest improvements. The Community Engagement team will be working with resident groups to explore ways to increase involvement.

Outcomes from inspections can be shared at Area Panels via requested reports or through the regular performance indicator report. The Community Engagement team welcomes suggestions on preferred formats. Suggested indicators include:

· Number of inspections completed

· Number of repairs ordered

· Number of jobs referred to partner services

· Number of Estate Improvement Bids submitted and approved

This initiative aligns with strengthened expectations under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which empowers the Regulator of Social Housing to proactively inspect and enforce standards. The legislation introduces new consumer standards focused on safety, quality, and the built environment.

In summary, the estate inspections programme is a proactive, resident-focused measure that supports our commitment to safe, well-managed homes and continuous improvement under the evolving regulatory framework.

Next Steps/how to get involved:

The estate inspection programme runs from November 2025. If you would like to be part of a local estate inspection then please get in touch with the Housing Customer Service team who will connect you with local officers. You can contact the team at Housing.CustomerServices@brighton-hove.gov.uk  or 01273 293030.