Clarion upgraded to top governance rating following repairs issues

Clarion, which was formed through the merger of Circle Housing Group and Affinity Sutton in December 2016, was immediately placed on notice by the regulator following the merger.

It warned the performance of Circle’s repairs business risked “serious harm” to tenants because of prolonged failures for a long period of time.

However, in its judgement today the regulator said: “Clarion has governance and control arrangements to manage risk effectively, including oversight of its repairs and maintenance service and has adequate business planning and control frameworks in place.”

It said the 123,000-home organisation “has undertaken a wholesale revision and simplification of the governance arrangements within the group”.

Clarion has completed the process of merging Circle’s former group boards into the main group, despite some local resistance in east London, where much of the repairs crisis centred.

The association’s financial viability remained unchanged at V1. The judgement followed an in-depth assessment.

Clare Miller, director of governance and compliance at Clarion Housing Group, said: “We are delighted with the findings of the regulator following their assessment. This judgement is testament to the hard work and importance our boards, directors and staff place on ensuring that Clarion performs to the highest possible standards.

“One year into our operations this judgement represents an important step, we know there is still much to do and we remain committed to continuous improvements to the standard of services we provide.”

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Update: at 12.02pm on 28.3.18 An earlier version of this table incorrectly said Arcon Housing Association had its governance rating downgraded. This was incorrect. We apologise for the error.