Housing associations to be investigated by Rutland County Council

How housing associations are treating tenants will be investigated.

An evidence panel has been set up this month to explore how those living in social housing in Rutland are serviced by their landlords.

The review has come about after tenants have been getting in touch with Rutland county councillors about problems they have been having getting repairs carried out.

The report, which will be considered by the council’s overarching scrutiny committee on Thursday next week (October 17), says: “Anecdotal evidence from councillors dealing with ward casework indicates that many tenants have experienced difficulties in contacting their housing association (landlord) to get repairs done to their properties and communal areas and report that repairs are not being carried out in a timely manner or to a satisfactory standard.”

The report also said that councillors had their own concerns about properties sitting empty for long periods after they were vacated by tenants.

Data contained within the report shows there are 2,073 housing associations operating in the county, with the most social housing in Oakham which has 896 social properties. The next largest area is Uppingham with 396 social homes and Ketton has 117.

The Longhurst Group, which has its headquarters in Boston, is by far the largest housing association operating in Rutland and has 1,460 homes. This week the company has agreed to a merger with Grand Union. Together the new company will manage 37,000 homes across the Midlands and East of England.

The panel will meet with housing associations, gather information from the council’s housing team and the case work from councillors as well as carrying out a survey.

The evidence panel is due to conclude in May and it will then report back to the housing associations with any suggestions on how to improve their service levels and communications with residents.