Council leader apologises as authority self-refers to regulator over electrical safety

In 2022, the government launched a consultation on introducing mandatory checks on electrical installations for social housing at least every five years, but the proposal has yet to become law.

Southwark Council said the problem had been identified after an “ongoing, full review of its housing service”.

The council’s tenants will get a letter about the timing of an inspection, the authority said. 

“While this work is under way, tenants should continue to take the usual care when using electrical appliances and devices in their homes,” the council said in a press release on its website.

Southwark Council has previously faced questions over its housing services following severe maladministration judgements from the Housing Ombudsman in the past year.

Earlier this year, Sarah King, the council’s cabinet member for council homes, said it needed to “do more” to tackle residents’ concerns after an opposition party said it should refer itself to the regulator.

Councils are also facing increased scrutiny as part of new consumer powers handed to the Regulator of Social Housing, which took effect in April.