What the regulator found when it inspected Cornwall Council homes

Inspectors from the national housing regulator have been through Cornwall Council’s paperwork, sat in on its meetings and spoken to the people who live in its homes. Their verdict is now out. And it lands one step below the top.

Second highest rating

Cornwall Council‘s council housing service has been handed the second highest rating following a recent inspection by the national Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).

The inspection assessed how well the council is delivering the Consumer Standards. These cover the quality and safety of homes, tenant engagement, neighbourhood management and tenancy services.

How the inspection worked

Inspectors reviewed documents and met with councillors, senior officers, board members and residents. They also observed tenant engagement and governance meetings.

What inspectors praised

The judgement shows the council has improved. It is meeting its legal health and safety responsibilities and has effective arrangements in place to keep tenants safe.

Inspectors also recognised positive tenant engagement and ongoing investment in homes. That includes programmes to tackle damp and mould, improve energy efficiency and address homes that do not yet meet the Decent Homes Standard.

Where the regulator wants to see improvement

The RSH highlighted four areas:

• strengthening performance reporting
• continuing to improve repairs services and complaint handling
• enhancing understanding of residents’ diverse needs
• providing greater assurance around tenancy management and anti-social behaviour performance

The council has already begun work in these areas and will continue to engage with the regulator to demonstrate progress.

What the council says

Cllr Peter La Broy, the council’s portfolio holder for housing, said: “We welcome this judgement and the recognition of the significant progress that has been made across our Council housing service.

“The inspection provides assurance that we are keeping our tenants safe, investing in our homes and creating meaningful opportunities for residents to influence the services they receive. For example, we have increased our funding for creating decent homes for all and dealing with damp and mould issues.”

Peter added: “While the Regulator has identified some areas where we need to improve, it is encouraging that they recognised the work already underway and our clear understanding of what needs to be done.

“We are committed to building on this progress, working closely with our tenants and Cornwall Housing, and delivering the high-quality homes and services that our residents deserve.”