Regulator of Social Housing finds Haringey Council in breach of consumer standards

In a regulatory notice published in March 2023, the Regulator of Social Housing found that Haringey Council breached the Home Standard and, there was potential for serious detriment to tenants.

It was found that the Council had not only breached a number of health and safety requirements but had also failed to complete a significant number of remedial fire safety actions, including 4,000 that were high risk. Further, the council had failed to obtain up-to-date electrical safety reports for thousands of homes.

Through its investigation, the regulator also found that over 100 of the council’s homes had serious hazards – known as ‘category one’ hazards and that almost 5,000 homes had failed to meet the Decent Homes Standard.

Kate Dodsworth, director of Consumer Regulation at RSH, said:

“Haringey Council put thousands of tenants at potential risk by failing to meet health and safety requirements for fire and electrical safety.

“Our investigation has also revealed that a significant number of Haringey Council homes do not meet the decent homes standard.

“The council needs to act urgently to put things right for tenants, and we are monitoring it closely as it does this.”

The council is also being investigated by the Housing Ombudsman for persistent poor performance over damp and mould complaints.

Haringey council response

In response to this and a survey of its tenants which found that only 18% of leaseholders and 45% of tenants were satisfied with the councils housing services, Haringey Council have pledged £5m to fix ‘major’ house failings.

The survey was carried out in late 2022 and found that only 21% of leaseholders were satisfied with the repairs service, while just 14% believed the housing service provides a well-maintained home and 22% were satisfied that it provides a safe home.

The plan pledges to put residents at the heart of decision-making including a programme of workshops and a residents’ forum giving tenants and leaseholders the chance to have their voices heard. There are also plans for a “stronger governance framework” to monitor improvements.

The main aims of the plan is to ensure that emergency repair requests are responded to within 24 hours of them being reported, carrying out annual programmes of energy improvement works and gas safety checks, and undertaking monthly lift safety checks.

The Council have also pledged to provide their residents with fire safety information specific to their home every three years, or sooner if there is any significant change.

The improvement programme is planned to run for 24 months, but the Council have confirmed that some activity will be carried out over the longer term.