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Scottish regulator did not launch any statutory interventions in first year of new framework

The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) did not use its powers to begin intervening at any social landlord in 2019/20, in the same year it began publishing engagement plans for every stock-retaining local authority and housing association in Scotland.

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The Scottish Housing Regulator did not use its powers to begin intervening within any social landlord in 2019/20 #UKhousing

According to its latest annual report, the regulator was using its powers to intervene at three housing associations – Ruchazie, Thistle and Fairfield – at the end of March 2020, but did not begin new interventions with any landlords during the year up to that point.

It did, however, launch an inquiry into the homelessness services provided by Glasgow City Council, as part of its ongoing engagement with the local authority.

During 2019/20, there were 31 statutory appointees working across five social landlords in Scotland. The SHR also completed its interventions at Wishaw & District Housing Association and Arklet Housing Association during this time.

New statutory action by the regulator was therefore reduced compared to 2018/19, when it launched three new interventions, and 2017/18, when it also launched three interventions.


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At the start of 2019/20, the regulator launched its new regulatory framework, which saw it publish an engagement plan for each social landlord in Scotland.

In March 2020, the SHR was due to update the engagement plans for housing associations with a regulatory status, but this work was paused to allow landlords to focus on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Social landlords were also asked to submit annual assurance statements for the first time in November last year, which confirm if landlords believe they comply with regulatory requirements and set out any areas they do not comply with.

In general, the SHR found that landlords were performing well against the Scottish Social Housing Charter in 2019/20, with nine out of 10 social housing tenants reporting being satisfied with their landlord’s overall service.

It also found that lender and investor confidence in the housing association sector continued to grow with total investment reaching £6bn, with the total owed by associations rising to more than £4bn for the first time.

George Walker, chair of the SHR, said: “We began drafting this report in March when COVID-19 had just begun to impact.

“Since then, the challenges for social landlords, tenants and people who are homeless have changed dramatically and at a pace.

“Our annual report reflects on the work we did during 2019/20 to safeguard and promote the interests of tenants and service users.”

He added: “Over the coming months, we will continue to work with all of our stakeholders as we all continue to tackle the challenges of COVID-19.”

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