Regulator of Social Housing Inspection FAQs
The Regulator of Social Housing has published its findings after an inspection of the housing services provided by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils.
It has awarded both councils the C2 rating - the second tier on a scale of C1-C4, with C1 being the target grade for all social landlords.
Here, we explain what it means and what happens next.
What is the Regulator of Social Housing?
The Regulator of Social Housing ensures social housing landlords, such as Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, provide quality homes and services. It sets the standards which landlords must deliver and has powers to investigate and hold them to account if they don’t.
Why has the inspection of Babergh and Mid Suffolk’s housing services taken place now?
Inspections now happen every four years. The Regulator of Social Housing has reviewed the councils’ role as a landlord using new powers introduced on 1 April 2024. The new consumer standards apply to all registered providers of social housing which includes local authorities and are designed to protect tenants and improve the service they receive.
What did the regulator look at?
It considers how the councils perform against its four consumer standards:
- Safety and Quality - How we ensure the safety, quality and decency of tenants’ homes.
- Transparency, Influence and Accountability - How we provide information, listen to tenants, and act on their views.
- Neighbourhood and Community - How we work with other organisations to help ensure tenants live in safe neighbourhoods.
- Tenancy - How we allocate and let homes and manage tenancies.
What was its decision?
The regulator has awarded both councils the C2 rating - the second tier on a scale of C1-C4, with C1 being the target grade for all social landlords.
C2 is a compliant grade, meaning that the regulator found some weaknesses that need to be addressed, while also identifying areas where services are working well.
C1 is the highest of the four possible grades. C3 and C4 are non-compliant grades, indicating serious or very serious failings that require significant or fundamental improvement.
You can read the judgement in full here.
In what areas was the regulator satisfied Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils were meeting the standards?
There were a number of areas where the regulator was satisfied with the councils’ services.
- We have a timely and responsive repairs service, and it noted a significant reduction in a repairs backlog in the last two years.
- A positive council culture of fairness and respect for tenants
- Tenant engagement is accessible with multiple ways for tenants to get involved.
- Tenant feedback positively influences and impacts service delivery.
- Complaints are addressed fairly, promptly and effectively.
- Policies and procedures are in place to deter and tackle anti-social behaviour and hate incidents in neighbourhoods where there are council homes.
- We meet the needs of households and take into consideration the wider community when offering homes.
What improvements has the regulator asked for?
The judgement said that improvement is needed by both councils to address some weaknesses in the ‘Safety and Quality’ standard.
This relates to 16% of Babergh District Council’s homes, and 13% of Mid Suffolk District Council’s homes, not meeting the Decent Homes Standard at the time of the inspection.
Both councils were already taking action to address this issue. An improvement programme is under way to ensure all homes meet the standard in the next year, as we aim to achieve the C1 standard.
The regulator also said that while it has assurance both councils are meeting health and safety compliance, additional work is needed around record-keeping. Both councils are already making processes more robust to address this.
How did the regulator reach this decision?
During the inspection, the regulator observed meetings of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Cabinets, staff meetings, the housing cabinet members’ monthly briefing and the Tenant Board. It met with tenants, the council leaders and the Cabinet Members for Housing. It interviewed staff and reviewed a wide range of documents provided by both councils.
What happens next?
Both councils must now assure the regulator that action is being taken to address the areas of weakness.
While work is already underway, a report will be presented at cabinet meetings in November 2026 which sets out the steps being taken.
How will we know if the improvements are being made?
Both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils already report housing performance measures regularly. These are discussed in public meetings by councillors.
This will continue to happen, and we will also update our tenants with the progress we are making.
Will tenants have the opportunity to voice their concerns and provide feedback?
Yes, tenants can share their views and concerns through our website.
You can also call the councils on 0300 1234000 and choose option 3.
Our phone lines are open from 8.45am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. On Tuesdays, our phone lines open at the slightly later time of 10am. Our phone lines are closed on weekends and public holidays.
If you need to report an emergency repair, report a dangerous structure or homelessness outside our opening hours, please phone 0808 168 7794.