Tamworth Borough Council has received a C3 grading from the Regulator of Social Housing following an inspection of its services.
The regulator found serious failings and said significant improvement is needed. In particular, it raised concerns about how the council oversees, tracks and reports some safety work, including actions following fire safety assessments.
Councillor Ben Clarke, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Homelessness and Planning, said:
"Our tenants deserve safe, well-maintained homes and a housing service they can rely on. The regulator's judgement makes clear that the council has fallen short of the standards our tenants rightly expect, and we fully recognise the seriousness of these findings.
"We have already begun addressing challenges within the housing service, and this judgement reinforces the importance of that work. We will continue working closely with tenants, staff and the regulator to deliver the improvements needed.
"My priority is making sure that these improvements translate into real, lasting changes for our tenants. Ultimately, we will be judged by the quality of the service we deliver and the difference residents see in their homes."
Rishi Spolia, Executive Director for Housing and Communities said:
“We understand where we need to improve and work is already under way. Our focus now is on delivery; using the regulator’s findings to shape a clear improvement plan and working with our tenants and staff to make the changes needed to make sure those improvements are sustained.”
Tamworth Borough Council manages 4,265 social rent homes, including 365 independent living homes.
The council will work closely with the Regulator of Social Housing as it develops its improvement plan in partnership with tenants.
Notes:
What the grades mean
The Regulator of Social Housing uses four consumer grades:
- C1: Landlord meets requirements.
- C2: Landlord meets requirements, but needs to improve some aspects.
- C3: Landlord does not meet requirements, with issues of serious concern. An action plan must be in place and improvement is needed.
- C4: Landlord does not meet requirements. There are issues of serious regulatory concern, and the landlord is subject to regulatory intervention or enforcement action.
See also our website here: Regulator of Social Housing inspection