Row over 'serious failings' in council's social housing
Tenants are owed an apology over social housing failings, councillors say – but the authority claims the faults are nearly fixed.
North Kesteven District Council was handed the second-lowest grade by the regulator for social housing in July.
It found “serious failings” in the way inspections were undertaken and reported that the authority was missing targets for routine repairs and refurbishing empty properties.
The Conservative administration says it’s taking the situation seriously and is well on the way to addressing the faults.
However, Independent councillors demanded that the authority apologise to tenants and explain how the problems will be fixed.
Independent Councillor Suiter told a full council meeting on Thursday: “There are real consequences for real people in homes that may not meet safety standards.
“This isn’t about assigning blame, it’s about taking responsibility and taking action. We need to send a message that NKDC won’t accept mediocrity in social housing.
“It was quite a shock that the report has given us [this rating].
“I feel a deep sense of responsibility and concern, and the findings of the regulator are nothing short of alarming.”
The regulator also found weaknesses in the complaint handling and tenant engagement opportunities, although it acknowledged the council was trying to improve these.
NKDC formed a group earlier this year to address lengthy delays in preparing empty properties for reuse, citing a lack of staff and issues left by a previous contractor.
However, Coun Suiter’s motion to apologise was defeated by the Conservatives, who say they have already taken action and informed tenants of the measures being taken.
Council leader Richard Wright said there had been “full transparency” with the situation.
“This motion ignores all the actions which have already been taken and the published plan which we have agreed with tenants and the regulator,” he said.
“He is correct that this is a failing, but residents are not at risk.”
The Regulator for Social Housing was established recently to verify whether councils are properly fulfilling their land responsibilities.