Council faces criticism over serious housing failures

Council faces criticism over serious housing failures

0:01 AM, 14th August 2024, About 3 months ago 8

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Brighton and Hove Council has been blasted for “serious failures” by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).

According to an RSH report, the council requires “significant improvement” after failing to provide evidence that it complied with smoke alarm requirements and electrical safety regulations.

The report also reveals a backlog of repairs with some dating back to 2021.

Homes without a current electrical report

According to the report, around 3,600 social homes owned by the council are without a current electrical condition report.

A further 600 properties require a water risk assessment and more than 500 water safety fixes are at least three months overdue but these are not urgent.

The report found 1,700 medium and low-fire-risk jobs that still need to be done, with most of them being overdue by over two years.

There was also a backlog of around 8,000 low-priority repairs – with some that dated back to 2021.

Council will not shy away from criticism

Councillor Gill Williams, cabinet member for housing and new Homes, said: “The findings of this report are extremely serious, and we do not take them lightly.

“We have already introduced new measures to improve our work in each of the areas of concern identified by the Regulator of Social Housing.

“Clearly, however, there is still much work to be done and this council will not shy away from either the criticism within this report, or the urgent hard work needed to improve our services.”

Continue to improve social housing in the city

The council plans to invest £15 million in making improvements to the housing supply.

Brighton and Hove Council also intends to prioritise electrical checks on homes to ensure all wiring and installations are safe, conduct water assessments, and fast-track fire safety assessments, particularly in properties with communal areas.

Ms Williams adds: “Everyone deserves to live in safe, secure, affordable and high-quality housing and should expect nothing less. This council has not met that expectation. We deeply apologise to all those who have been affected.

“This report is a moment for our administration to make the essential changes required to meet the needs of our residents. We take this responsibility seriously and will continue to improve the social housing in our city.”


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Cider Drinker

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9:30 AM, 14th August 2024, About 3 months ago

For private landlords, Local Authorities may impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 on landlords who are in breach of their (EICR) duties.

So, how many fines will the Council be paying?

Stuart Rothwell

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10:28 AM, 14th August 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 14/08/2024 - 09:30
Good question! It seems many councils/housing associations get away with numerous failings whereas it's private landlords who always get hit with a large stick

Fraser Hopewell

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11:22 AM, 14th August 2024, About 3 months ago

And half my rental properties are in brighton, maybe all the regs don’t apply to me then as well !!!!!

Happy Landlord

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12:40 PM, 14th August 2024, About 3 months ago

Hypocritical comes to mind - I had to serve notice on a tenant in Brighton. The council advised my tenants that as the electrical contractor was struck off the official register some months after he had undertaken the EICR it was not safe and therefore no valid EICR existed. The property had passed without any issues. Before I could issue a notice to quit I had to arrange for a new EICR which I arranged - further expense and delay - obviously the property still passed. I might have been more reluctant to comply if I had known how two faced and hypocritical the authority is.

PH

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17:58 PM, 14th August 2024, About 3 months ago

Doesn't this country just suck ! Do as I say not as I do is just NOT the way !

SimonP

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22:55 PM, 14th August 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 14/08/2024 - 09:30
It wouldn't be the Council who pays, it'd be the residents since it'll come out of their council tax. Disgraceful! Maybe make council members accountable?

Badger

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10:35 AM, 18th August 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by SimonP at 14/08/2024 - 22:55
"...make council members accountable..."

Oh, if only we could!

If only we could.

The behaviour of our local lot makes me absolutely sick!

Reluctant Landlord

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10:00 AM, 19th August 2024, About 3 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Happy Landlord at 14/08/2024 - 12:40I would have ignored the council, issued the T with the S8 (note EICR not needed for S21) and and if had to go to court then presented the valid EICR as part of the evidence bundle to the judge.
Council have nothing to do with 'validating' an EICR or otherwise. Nothing to do with them whatsoever. Probably just using anything to but frighteners on the LL and wasting time before the inevitable....the homeless tenant landing back at their door.
Ignore any such communication along these lines from the council. Possession is a legal process between you and the tenant noone else.

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