Regulator of Social Housing – Overview and Latest Judgement for Stevenage Borough Council

The Regulator of Social Housing was established by the Government to ensure that social landlords, including local councils, provide safe, good‑quality, affordable and sustainable homes for current and future tenants. Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, the Government strengthened expectations for social landlords, leading to revised Consumer Standards that came into force on 1 April 2024.

The Revised Consumer Standards

All social landlords must now demonstrate how they meet the following four standards:

1. Safety and Quality Standard

Providing tenants with homes that are safe, well‑maintained and of a decent standard.

2. Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard

Ensuring tenants are treated with fairness and respect, and have access to clear information about their landlord’s performance.

3. Neighbourhood and Community Standard

Working with tenants and partner organisations to deter and tackle anti‑social behaviour, helping residents feel safe in their homes and communities.

4. Tenancy Standard

Allocating homes fairly and supporting tenants to sustain their tenancies.

Regulatory Inspection and Judgement

Stevenage Borough Council was among the first landlords to undergo a planned inspection under the new regulatory regime. The inspection took place over summer 2024 and involved:

• A tenant workshop
• Meetings with tenants, council officers and councillors
• Review of extensive performance information, plans and evidence provided by the council

The Regulator has awarded Stevenage Borough Council a C2 grade (with C1 being the highest and C4 the lowest). This confirms that the council has provided assurance that it meets the Consumer Standards in many areas.

The judgement recognises that the council is:

• Keeping tenants safe
• Consistently improving the quality of homes and services
• Investing in housing stock and strengthening management arrangements

Areas Identified for Improvement

The Regulator highlighted several areas where further progress is required. The council has plans in place to address these, including improvements to:

• Reporting on certain health and safety areas
• Performance information provided to tenants, and opportunities for tenants to influence and scrutinise services
• Approaches to tenant engagement
• Use of tenant data to tailor services to individual needs

Statements from Stevenage Borough Council

Councillor Jackie Hollywell, Portfolio Holder for Housing, welcomed the judgement, noting that it reflects the council’s commitment to improving housing services and investing in tenants’ homes. She emphasised that while the Regulator has identified further work to do, the council is already acting on these areas and remains committed to delivering the best outcomes for tenants.

Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of the council, highlighted that the positive judgement demonstrates the hard work being done to ensure tenants’ homes are in good condition and meet the new regulatory expectations.

Further Information

Further information about the Regulator of Social Housing, along with the full Regulatory Judgement for Stevenage Borough Council, is available on the Regulator’s website. The judgement document can also be downloaded below.