30-07-2025
Regulator finds 'failings' in Suffolk councils' housing services
Failings have been identified during inspections of two separate councils' housing services. The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), a government watchdog, inspected East Suffolk Council and Ipswich Borough Council in their role as landlords and said both had "serious failings".Issues were raised around the standard of homes and interactions with tenants, although RSH said both authorities were engaging with it to make improvements. In response, both councils said they recognised the issues and had steps in place to address them.
According to the RSH report, East Suffolk Council owns and manages about 4,300 social and affordable-rent the regulator found hazards including damp and mould were not fully tracked "due to the absence of policies and processes". The council had also identified that about half of its homes did not meet the decent home standard - government criteria to ensure social housing meets an acceptable level of RSH said East Suffolk Council was bringing in new procedures for managing housing Beavan, an Independent councillor who is cabinet member for housing, said the authority was "incredibly disappointed" but was "entirely committed to addressing" the issues raised."Over the last few months, we have been able to appoint additional capacity to key roles, with further recruitment planned over the coming weeks," he added. "We are committed to improving the services and quality of homes we deliver to tenants."
In its inspection of Ipswich Borough Council, the RSH identified "serious failings" in the council's understanding of the "diverse needs" of also said the council was "unable to evidence" which of its homes were free of serious hazards."We observed some respectful approaches to tenants during our inspection, but also some use of language which raised concerns that Ipswich BC was not fostering a strong culture of courtesy and respect throughout its organisation," the report RSH noted the council provided "effective, efficient and timely" repairs and dealt with anti-social behaviour and hate incidents "effectively".Alasdair Ross, a Labour councillor who is the portfolio holder for housing, said Ipswich Borough Council was "committed to providing safe, decent homes".He added: "Although the regulator has acknowledged areas of good practice and high satisfaction among tenants, we recognise there is more to do."We have already taken action in several key areas and will continue to make progress with pace and transparency."
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