Council housing departments will breathe a sigh of relief this week after the newly-appointed chief inspector of housing pledged not to run a regime based on fear
Roy Irwin promised fellow housing directors that he would work with them rather than against them when conducting inspections.

Irwin, who will remain as director of housing services at Bristol city council until October, said: "I don't think fear is an especially good motivator."

He added: "I am still going to be running a housing service for the next few months, and I for one wouldn't want to be scared to death of the inspector coming."

However, some colleagues warned councils preparing for inspection of his reputation for ruling with a rod of iron.

"He doesn't like housing associations very much," one source said. "In Bristol he very much strong arms them, and they all do what he says."

In an interview with Housing Today, Irwin ruled out the possibility of local housing associations figuring in the inspection process. "I don't think RSLs do fit in," he said. "The better RSLs will be making sure that they have been keeping up to date with the news on all fronts."

However, professionals from across the housing world approved of the appointment, praising Irwin's experience of working in partnership with tenants.

The Audit Commission's director of inspection designate Wendy Thomson said Irwin was selected "from a competitive field of high calibre candidates" based on his "impressive track record". She aded: "I am delighted to have him as a member of the inspection team."

Local Government Association policy officer Jeanette York said: "Roy will take a much wider view than just the narrow housing issues. He is good at looking at the full range of housing activities right across the board."

Bristol city council's housing committee chair Celia Lukins said: "Roy has played a crucial part in our success."

National Housing Federation's south west regional policy officer Paul Smith added: "Roy is very strong-willed and strong minded. I think he will make an excellent inspector."

Source

Housing Today