'Serious failings' in councils' housing services

The Regulator of Social Housing published reports into East Suffolk Council and Ipswich Borough Council
- Published
Failings have been identified during inspections of two separate councils' housing services.
The Regulator of Social Housing, external (RSH), a government watchdog, inspected East Suffolk Council and Ipswich Borough Council in their role as landlords and said both had "serious failings".
Issues were raised around the standard of homes and interactions with tenants, although RSH said both authorities were engaging with it to make improvements.
In response, both councils said they recognised the issues and had steps in place to address them.

East Suffolk Council said it had written to tenants explaining the situation
According to the RSH report, external, East Suffolk Council owns and manages about 4,300 social and affordable-rent homes.
But the regulator found hazards including damp and mould were not fully tracked "due to the absence of policies and processes".
The council had also identified that about half of its homes did not meet the decent home standard, external - government criteria to ensure social housing meets an acceptable level of quality.
The RSH said East Suffolk Council was bringing in new procedures for managing housing hazards.
David Beavan, an Independent councillor who is cabinet member for housing, said the authority was "incredibly disappointed" but was "entirely committed to addressing" the issues raised.
"Over the last few months, we have been able to appoint additional capacity to key roles, with further recruitment planned over the coming weeks," he added.
"We are committed to improving the services and quality of homes we deliver to tenants."

Ipswich Borough Council said it had already started making improvements to its service
In its inspection of Ipswich Borough Council, the RSH identified, external "serious failings" in the council's understanding of the "diverse needs" of tenants.
Inspectors also said the council was "unable to evidence" which of its homes were free of serious hazards.
"We observed some respectful approaches to tenants during our inspection, but also some use of language which raised concerns that Ipswich BC was not fostering a strong culture of courtesy and respect throughout its organisation," the report said.
The RSH noted the council provided "effective, efficient and timely" repairs and dealt with anti-social behaviour and hate incidents "effectively".
Alasdair Ross, a Labour councillor who is the portfolio holder for housing, said Ipswich Borough Council was "committed to providing safe, decent homes".
He added: "Although the regulator has acknowledged areas of good practice and high satisfaction among tenants, we recognise there is more to do.
"We have already taken action in several key areas and will continue to make progress with pace and transparency."
Get in touch
Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk?
Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external.
More stories like this
- Published25 March
- Published8 October 2024
- Published28 November 2024