Housing association being wound down after regulator finds ‘acute’ financial position

The notice added: “While BCH does now have arrangements in place to allow it to take decisions about its future, this was a serious failure in governance.”

The regulator also concluded that the association had “failed to ensure that it has an appropriate, robust, and prudent business planning, risk and control framework that ensures sufficient liquidity at all times”.

BCH, which was first registered in 2013, predominantly enters into lease arrangements to acquire homes for tenants.

But the RSH said the evidence has showed that BCH is “unable to meet its obligations under its lease arrangements as and when they fall due and its financial position is acute”.

The notice added: “BCH has taken advice on its financial position and following permission by the court, has passed a resolution for a voluntary winding up of the organisation.

“Notice of the application to court triggered the regulator’s insolvency processes. During this period, the regulator will work closely with BCH and its advisors as it manages the situation, taking into account the needs of BCH’s tenants.”

BCH has yet to respond to a request for comment.

Separately today, housing association Empowering People Inspiring Communities (EPIC) has been placed on the regulator’s ‘gradings under review’ list.

The provider, which is based in Stoke-on-Trent, currently has a G1/V1 rating after retaining the grades following a stability check last December.

In the notice today, the regulator said it is “investigating matters which may impact on EPIC’s compliance with the governance and financial viability standard”.

A spokesperson for EPIC said it had no comment at the current time.