New regulation and inspection systems unveiled this week by the Housing Corporation may mean more rapid intervention for poorly performing housing associations.
Its regulation chiefs expect that problems will become obvious more quickly than before.

The launch of the regulatory code marks the end of the ‘tick box’ approach to the oversight of RSLs.

Bob Dinwiddy, corporation assistant chief executive for regulation and Best Value, said the new regulatory code was backed up by guidance and an internet bank of good practice.

The 10-page code and guidance replaces some 70 pages of performance standards.

Dinwiddy said: “It does not of itself change our sanctions, but it gives a way to judge performance as well as a locus for action.

“We are now more ready to make statutory appointments. We have been that bit more ready to do so for the past year.”

The term ‘lighter touch regulation’, used widely during last year’s consultation, has been dropped because “for a few there will be a heavier touch,” he said.

The corporation has resisted widespread calls for specific performance standards on race equality.

Dinwiddy explained: “The code shows the outcomes that we will be looking for. In many ways, those for race and diversity are more detailed than others.

“We are saying that the [race and housing] inquiry’s code is a good way to meet the outcomes, but other ways may be equally good.”

This approach holds for the rest of the code.

“We are not looking for plans and codes, we are looking for performance and outcomes,” Dinwiddy said.

For larger housing associations there will be an annual compliance statement, and a regulatory plan drawn up by the corporation, which will be specific to each landlord.

National Housing Federation policy director Liz Potter said: “The code and guidance are the first steps to a new mature regulatory relationship, based on sustained negotiation with the federation and its members. The improvement is clear; that dialogue must continue into implementation.”

The corporation has also launched its new inspection framework, which will go live in April. Inspection teams will include members drawn from 30 newly recruited tenants.

An easily understood rating system, possibly based on the Housing Quality Network’s report cards, is under consideration.

However, there are no plans for a star system similar to that used in local government.

The way forward: our approach to regulation, and Inspection: our approach. Housing Corporation. Tel: 020 7393 2228 or www.housingcorp.gov.uk

Source

Housing Today