Decision details

8.1

The Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services introduced the report which provided the Housing Policy Committee with an overview of the latest national regulatory developments impacting the social housing sector including how we are preparing and responding to proposed changes. The report also included responses to recent Regulatory Consultations (Consumer Standards and Changes to Regulator Fees Regime). Those could be found at Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 to the report.

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy Committee:-

1.     Notes the content of the report.

2.     Requests that future performance reports to this Committee include a review of risks and issues relating to compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing Consumer Standards.

3.     Notes the consultation responses that were submitted and the implications on the Housing Revenue Account that were highlighted.

4.     Requests that the Director of Housing and Neighbourhood Services include in the consultation response a clear statement that Government should meet cost of regulation.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

To keep Housing Policy Committee up to date on developments in social housing regulation.

8.3.2

To inform the Committee about their role in monitoring compliance against the proposed Consumer Standards.

8.3.3

To discharge the Committee’s oversight role with respect to RSH expectations.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

No other options were considered as compliance with the regulatory standards and the Ombudsman Complaints Handling Code is statutory from April 2024.