'Significant failures' by council as landlord

The report by the regulator of social housing says that the failings are "very serious"

A report into Arun District Council (ADC) has found "significant failures" in its role as a social housing landlord.

The report by the regulator of social housing says that the failings are "very serious" and the council must make "fundamental changes" so outcomes can be delivered.

The MPs for Arundel & South Downs and Bognor Regis & Littlehampton, Andrew Griffith and Alison Griffiths, who represent a majority of the Arun district, have criticised the council, made up of a Liberal Democrat and Green coalition.

An ADC spokesperson said: "Arun District Council acknowledges the recent regulatory judgement issued by the Regulator of Social Housing following their inspection of our housing service."

The two MPs issued a joint statement, saying: "This is an appalling assessment of one of the council's most primary functions – to deliver safe homes for those who need them the most.

"They have failed massively in this key area and literally put the lives of residents at risk."

Both are calling for pay cuts to responsible officers and for ADC to be placed into special measures.

'Not meeting standards'

The report was conducted as part of the regulator of social housing's planned regulatory inspection programme.

ADC has indicated a willingness to address these serious failings, a spokesperson for the regulator of social housing said.

But they said they had "not yet seen evidence to sufficiently assure us that it understands the potential risks to tenants and of its ability to put matters right, including taking prompt action to gain assurance that tenants are safe".

Issues raised on the report include a failure to meet legal health and safety requirements in relation to fire safety and smoke detection, a lack of accurate information on stock quality, repairs not being completed on time, and homes not meeting the decent homes standard.

An ADC spokesperson said: "The outcome is not the result we had hoped for.

"We are fully committed to addressing all areas highlighted in the judgement. Rectifying these issues is our top priority.

"We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and above all, the safety and wellbeing of our tenants."