28 Jun 2023
The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill: Change is coming
The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill will shortly receive royal assent and it will have a big impact on the housing industry.
The principle change of the Bill will be to make consumer regulation once again on par with economic regulation and to require the Regulator of Social Housing to take a proactive approach, with an inspection regime, and more scope to require improvements or issue bigger fines when registered provider fail to meet standards.
Providers are already busy collecting performance data and tenant perceptions of their services, in order to report on the tenant satisfaction measures next year, now the Bill has passed, there will be consultation on the suite of consumer standards, including an additional focus on safety and transparency. Members should look out for the consultation on the new consumer standards, probably in the summer - CIH will be looking for your input to shape our response to and discussion with the regulator on these and how they will be implemented.
Professionalism
There will also be further consultations around the power of the Regulator to set a competency and conduct standard and for the introduction of mandatory qualifications. This will include the scope of professionals included in the requirement, how it will be introduced and over what timeframe. However, we do expect the mandating of Level 4 and 5 qualifications for senior staff and executives, which could mean that 25,000 people are required to be qualified.
As the professional body, at CIH, we are currently the only awarding body offering Level 4 and 5 housing qualifications. Whilst they will undergo a review, they are fit for purpose for early adopters. We’re having regular discussions with government to ensure we are well prepared to support the housing sector to meet these requirements as they are rolled out.
Learn more about qualifications and professionalism.
Awaab’s Law
We expect further consultations on Awaab’s Law and what other hazards, in addition to damp and mould, will be covered and the timescales to be set for providers to resolve problems.
Members can find greater detail on the Bill to date in our exclusive what you need to know guide. The Bill will usher in significant changes for the sector, but it will take some time for many measures to be fully implemented. It will introduce a new inspection regime, which is currently being piloted. We will keep you up to date on when these changes are coming and what they mean in practice.
Once the Bill receives royal assent and the standards have launched, we’ll be providing valuable guidance in the form of updates and webinars exclusively for members. Our website contains extensive content on the current progress of the Bill, plus original content (including blogs and webinars) around the social housing white paper, published in 2020.
Let us know what more you think would help you and your organisation to gear up to the challenge; contact policy@cih.org.
Find resources to support you in addressing damp and mould issues highlighted within the sector.
Regulation will be changing and it is vital that the sector responds and prepares early for any changes.
Learn more about the changing world of regulation.
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Sarah Davis is a senior policy and practice officer who leads in ageing, health, care, support, rural housing, tenant engagement, and housing strategy.
