Better Social Housing Review publishes its findings

Today the independent panel conducting the Better Social Housing Review has published its report, with a set of findings and recommendations for the housing sector to consider.

The review found that the social housing sector is clearly under huge pressures. It saw examples of ‘inspiring practice’ as well as some areas of ‘shocking practice’ and discrimination.

Responding to the report, Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) chief executive, Gavin Smart said:

“All tenants of social housing should live in good quality, well-managed homes and always be treated with dignity and respect. Where this is not the case, we must work quickly to put that right, so I welcome the findings and recommendations set out by the Better Social Housing Review panel which provide a practical framework for the sector.

“As the professional body for housing, we are committed to working with our members and the National Housing Federation to develop an action plan focusing on the recommendations outlined by the panel. The increased focus on consumer regulation and professionalism, set out in the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill, will help to underpin this.

“I’m grateful to the panel for the time they have taken to engage with residents, communities, partners, and housing professionals to understand where improvements are needed, to highlight good practice and to make recommendations that will help the sector move forward.”

The report sets out seven recommendations for the sector on how to improve issues with the quality of social homes. The report also makes it clear that action is required from government, including investment. The NHF and CIH, who jointly commissioned the review in June 2022, have welcomed all the recommendations in their entirety.

Work to understand the recommendations in the report starts immediately in the New Year when the NHF and CIH will collaborate with the Steering Group, the wider sector, tenants, and other partners to turn these recommendations into an ambitious action plan which the whole sector can sign up to. This will include working closely with the Regulator of Social Housing.

To find out more about the review’s finding and the implications for the sector sign up for our member webinar on 14 December and hear from panel chair Helen Baker, CEO of CIH Gavin Smart and CEO of NHF Kate Henderson. 

Further information on the CIH and the Better Social Housing Review can be found here.