Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Subject: Housing Safety and Quality Compliance Bi-annual progress update
Date of meeting: 3rd November 2026
Report of: Chair of the Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee
Contact Officer: Name: Natalie Sacks-Hammond
Email: Natalie.Sacks-Hammond@Brighton-Hove.gov.uk
Ward(s) affected: (All Wards);
Key Decision: No
1.1 This report provides the Committee with the updated position on the council’s housing safety and quality compliance progress following the Regulator of Social Housing's (RSH) regulatory judgement of August 2024 against their Safety & Quality Consumer Standard. This report forms part of the bi-annual reporting cycle to Cabinet and Scrutiny. The previous progress update was shared with Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 22nd July 2026.
1.2 The updated information and data can be found in the slides at Appendix 1. This includes information on our vision of being a Great Landlord, the inspection visit from the Social Housing Regulator from 19th – 21st October, our approach to ensuring the health and safety of tenants, the Housing (Safety and Quality) Improvement Plan, progress towards compliance, and priorities for 2026 – 2028.
2.1 That the Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee note and comment on the progress made in addressing the issues identified by the Regulator of Social Housing[SC1] [NS2] .
3.1 The council’s vision is to be recognised as a Great Landlord. Doing the right things because we are driven by what our residents tell us and not just what regulations require of us. This will be achieved through the Housing (Safety and Quality) Improvement Plan (shared with Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 22nd July 2026) and focusing on being more than compliant by being responsive to resident’s voices through the “Creating Homes Together” programme.
3.2 The Social Housing Regulator (RSH) is currently conducting a full inspection against all 5 of the RSH Consumer Standards. The regulatory inspection site visit took place between 19th – 21st October 2026. Preparation prior to the on-site visit was based on:
· The Safety and Quality Improvement Programme and the progress made since the judgement.
· The Consumer Standards and inspection readiness work, which is helping to evidence compliance and demonstrate control.
· The Resident Voice programme, Creating Great Homes Together, which has been developed with residents and is helping to ensure that resident feedback shapes service priorities and improvements.
3.3 The purpose of the Housing (Safety and Improvement) Programme is to reset Housing Services after the RSH C3 judgement, by delivering safe, compliant, resident‑focused services with sustained improvement. To address root causes of Safety and Quality non‑compliance with clear ownership, controls and assurance. There has been significant improvement in electrical safety, smoke alarms, water safety, fire safety actions and repairs backlog control.
3.4 The Consumer Standards and inspection readiness work includes an Action Plan that is updated and implemented across Housing services to address gaps and evidence progress against achieving compliance against achieving compliance with RSH Consumer Standards in full. Fortnightly reviews are held where any key decisions or risks can be escalated to the Great Landlord Board. The majority of high and medium priority actions are on track or completed with some actions stalled due to resourcing.
3.5 The, Creating Great Homes Together (Tenant-led plan) is co-produced with tenants through citywide workshops. Early delivery includes complaints training, improved responses for pest, damp and mould, implementing estate inspections, stronger repairs supply chain and tenant involvement in procurement.
3.6 The five priority programmes for 2026 – 2028 are:
• Repairs and Maintenance. Right First Time, digital tracking, quality assurance.
• Safer Communities (ASB).Clearer reporting, consistent timely responses, community commitments.
• Customer Service. Ownership, empathy, trauma‑informed communication.
• Complaints. Early contact, transparency, better tracking and mediation.
• Tenant Engagement. Broader participation, training, refreshed engagement strategy.
4.1 The Council must ensure compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing Consumer Standards. It is appropriate to ask Overview and Scrutiny to have a voice on the action being undertaken.
5.1 The Council continues to regularly engage with residents as a priority. Resident feedback is used to inform service delivery and governance. The Creating Great Homes Together programme has involved residents and staff in co-designing improvements that will help shape priorities and support the council’s ambition to become a Great Landlord.
6.1 There are no direct financial implications arising from the recommendation to note and comment on progress. The housing safety and quality improvement programme is supported through the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budgets and capital programme. No additional funding is sought through this report
6.2 The resource constraints outlined in paragraph 3.4 and any further requirements arising from the regulatory inspection may place additional pressure on HRA budgets and programme delivery. The service will need to assess these costs and review existing resources, prioritising statutory safety requirements. Any additional funding required will be subject to the appropriate approval process.
6.3 Future costs will continue to be included in HRA budget reports for annual approval. Officers will closely monitor expenditure and report any variances through the council’s monthly Targeted Budget Management (TBM) process.
Name of finance officer consulted: Ferrise Hall Date consulted: 22/10/26
7.1 The objectives of the Regulator are set out in the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (as amended). The terms social housing and registered provider are defined in the 2008 Act and the Council is included in that definition. The Regulator has clearly defined objectives and it is against these that they made their assessment. The C3 award was relating to consumer standards (there are other grading criteria (including governance and financial viability). C3 means work needs to be undertaken, by the Council as there were serious failings in the area of consumer standards.
7.2 The appendices demonstrate considerable work has been undertaken. The new grading (when available) will reflect the considered position of the regulator and provide an indication as to whether the Council Is progressing.
Name of lawyer consulted: Simon Court Date 23 October 2026.
8.1 Not specifically for this scrutiny report.
9.1 Although this report is to note and does not seek a decision, the Housing Improvement Programme has significant equality implications. Improvements to housing safety compliance, repairs, damp and mould treatment are expected to have positive impacts for all council tenants, particularly older people, disabled residents, people with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and families with young children, who may be disproportionately affected by unsafe or poor-quality housing conditions.
10.1 Not specifically for this scrutiny report
11. Health and Wellbeing Implications:
11.1 Not specifically for this scrutiny report
12.1 The Place Overview & Scrutiny Committee is asked to review this report and
feedback on the planning and progress toward achieving full compliance. The Committee’s oversight is sought to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with regulatory requirements.
Supporting Documentation
1. Housing Safety and Quality Compliance presentation
[SC1]Do we know what the new findings are? You are asking committee to review the progress without knowing whether or not there has been an upgrade or not. How can they judge and should this report be postponed until the results are in - I suspect Cllrs will ask.
[NS2]Yes, sorry they are in the slides - I have shared them with you