You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
Housing Ombudsman to refer more cases to RSH as new powers kick in
The Housing Ombudsman will start referring a wider range of cases to the regulator from today, while tougher new powers for the redress scheme also come into force.
A memorandum of understanding between the ombudsman and the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) broadens the basis on which the former can refer cases to the latter.
Social landlords that repeatedly fail to handle complaints properly or the ombudsman suspects of having systemic issues may also find themselves being investigated by the RSH.
The updated memorandum includes an agreement between the two agencies to share more information than ever before.
The RSH will be notified when the ombudsman issues a finding of severe maladministration against a council or housing association or when an investigation discovers a potential breach of a regulatory standard.
Details of failures in handling complaints or to comply with the ombudsman’s orders will also be passed on.
READ MORE
The new Housing Ombudsman Scheme, approved by the government in March and taking effect from today, gives it the power to issue orders against landlords for failures in handling complaints in individual cases or overall policies from January.
A Complaint Handling Code setting out the framework for the new powers was published in July.
Housing ombudsman Richard Blakeway said: “These fundamental changes to our powers will help to improve the accessibility, speed and scope of redress for the benefit of residents.
“Broadening the scope of issues we can refer to the regulator will make this even more effective and builds on our strong working relationship.”
Fiona MacGregor, chief executive of the RSH, said: “We value the good relationship we have with the Housing Ombudsman and welcome this opportunity to further strengthen it and to work together to further protect social housing tenants.”
In an interview with Inside Housing in February, Mr Blakeway revealed that a case in which the ombudsman identified severe maladministration at an unnamed housing association that had cut off, without proper consultation, support services for 29 older residents living in supported accommodation had not been referred to the RSH.
Sign up for our legal and regulation newsletter
Already have an account? Click here to manage your newsletters
