"Steady progress" continues amid concerns over housing safety

No enforcement action is currently being taken, but the regulator’s scrutiny continues. In December, the regulator issued the authority with a C4 grading, the most severe rating available, indicating very serious failings in the management of council housing and the need for fundamental changes.

Among the findings, the inspection found more than 900 overdue fire safety remedial actions, some dating back to 2012. Council officers say work has focused on addressing areas of non-compliance with the safety and quality standard. An interim action plan is now in place, with updates reported at each board meeting.

The council says the improvement programme is funded through its 2026/27 housing revenue account budget, with additional reserves available if required.

Hayley McKay, acting head of housing, has described engagement with the regulator as constructive, adding that maintaining progress is essential to avoid potential sanctions.

She said: “Steady progress has been made since the last board meeting and we are particularly focused on addressing the compliance works within the safety and quality standard.

“There is a live interim action plan that continues to oversight the progress that we are making. It captures actions currently underway.

“The council is demonstrating constructive engagement with the RSH. A continued pace is essential to avoid sanctions. The additional financial and expert support will help the council meet the required standards.”

The council’s latest figures show that as of February 20, almost all homes now have smoke alarms fitted, at 99.97 per cent. Gas safety certification stands at 98 per cent, while 89 per cent of properties have a valid five-year electrical installation condition report (EICR).

The council says contractor capacity has been increased, and an additional supplier is being procured to help meet the May 1 target for outstanding electrical safety works. Processes are also being redesigned to address remaining rewires and certificates.

However, access to properties remains one of the main barriers to completing work. Ms McKay said electrical rewiring can take half a day even when everything runs smoothly but delays often arise because entry cannot be gained.

She said: “Sometimes it is just one element, not the whole thing but the difficulty that we are having around is gaining access into people’s homes.

“We tried to offer some incentives to customers where they would hopefully engage us to carried out that work. We incentive with plugs fitted with USB ports.”

From May 1, under new legislation, residents will be required to provide access for essential safety works. Ms McKay said this change will support the council in delivering necessary compliance activity.

The council confirmed there are currently 59 open damp and mould cases. It also reported progress on legionella risk management.

All assessments are up to date in sheltered housing and hostel accommodation, with four remedial actions currently underway at those sites.

However, risk assessments for 55 general needs blocks are out of date, although they have been programmed for completion.

The council said these blocks are considered lower risk but are included in reporting because they have communal water supplies, typically in service areas such as cleaners’ cupboards. Weekly flushing continues at all required sites.

In addition, the council also reported a backlog of repairs, including 237 overdue routine repairs and 38 overdue standard repairs.

These range from minor works such as loose floorboards and window repairs to more significant issues including roof replacements, fencing and path works.

Cllr Sue Ballard, chairman of the committee, said: “The team has worked incredibly hard. It has been difficult, but we are moving forward in a positive way, and we have a positive plan in place. I’m confident we will be compliant and we will work our way to a better grading.”