Update on the regulation of social housing

The Department for Social Development recently released a response report on proposals for a New Regulatory Framework for Social Housing Providers. The report follows on from the consultation exercise which was carried out a few months ago.

The response report gives a flavour of all the feedback received and what further considerations may be taken by the Department when developing the regulatory framework document:

The regulatory standards

The Department has stated that in developing the final document they will engage with stakeholders to refine the standards and amend the wording where appropriate. Housing Rights asked for the Department to consider enshrining the new standards in law (as is the case in Scotland). Whilst this has not been agreed to, the Department has indicated that they will consider new legislation should additional regulatory powers be introduced.

Powers of the Regulator

Most respondents agreed that the Regulator should be able to access a range of powers in dealing with social housing providers. Housing Rights felt that these could include notices, penalties and compensation award. Such powers could act as an effective deterrent to non-compliance with the standards.

Independence

Housing Rights strongly believes that the Regulator should be independent of government. This was voiced by a number of other respondents as being vital to the process.

Impact assessment

Housing Rights expressed some concerns that the impact assessment did not address the needs of homeless persons, who are important consumers of social landlord services. The Department has stated that this and other concerns raised will be addressed during the development of the final document.

Tenant participation

Although the subject of another consultation exercise, it appears that many respondents felt that tenants should be included in the regulatory process. Housing Rights has called for all service users of social landlords to be involved in the scrutiny of landlords. The Department has agreed to look at the responses to their Tenant Participation consultation when developing the final framework.

Read Housing Rights response to the consultation.