The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has issues a C4 grade to Northumberland County Council (NCC), meaning they need to address ‘very serious failings’
During the RSH’s inspection of social housing standards, they found several areas that NCC need to address.
The council is now working with the RSH, which is urging NCC to work urgently to fix these issues.
Tenants are not being dealt a fair hand
The RSH inspection found:
- The council only has up to date information on the condition of around 3% of its homes.
- Limited evidence that health and safety assessments are accurately recorded or routinely monitored, or that actions are being addressed within appropriate timescales.
- The council does not respond to all complaints in a timely way.
- A lack of meaningful opportunities for tenants to scrutinise performance and influence services.
- Serious failings in meeting the outcomes of the tenancy standard.
Kate Dodsworth, chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, said: “These failings are unacceptable and the council urgently needs to develop a full understanding of the root causes of these issues and the current risks to tenants.
“We will engage intensively with the council while they put things right and our priority will be that they ensure that risks to tenants are properly managed and mitigated.”
Awaab’s law has changed social housing standards
Awaab’s law was put into effect on 27 October 2025, and requires social housing providers to investigate and resolve damp and mould hazards within a strict deadline.
Writing for PBC Today earlier this month, Nuaire residential product manager Joe Lloyd-Allen discussed how this should not be seen as a hindrance to social housing providers, but rather as an opportunity.
Joe wrote: “For housing providers, the arrival of Awaab’s Law introduces firm legal duties and places fresh demands on teams already working hard under resource pressures. Yet it also creates an opportunity: to reset the way damp and mould is managed; to adopt proactive practices; and to build greater trust with residents.
“The legislation is clear in its expectations. When a “significant hazard” such as damp and mould is reported, landlords must begin investigating within 10 working days. Where works are needed, these must start within a further five working days and be completed as soon as practicably possible, within 12 weeks.
“In situations where a hazard is categorised as an emergency and poses an immediate threat to life or health, emergency make safe action must be taken within 24 hours.
“These are not just compliance measures. They represent opportunities to improve stock condition, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and create healthier, more comfortable homes.”
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