Portsmouth City Council becomes 17th local authority to be handed C3 grade

On electrical safety, the council reported that more than 85 per cent of its homes have not had an electrical condition test for over five years, a number of which are located in high-risk communal blocks. 

Portsmouth City Council also reported that it did not have up-to-date information about the condition of the majority of its homes and was therefore unable to evidence the accuracy of its reported compliance with the Decent Homes Standard.

At the time of the self-referral, less than 40 per cent of its homes had been surveyed within the past five years, more than a third had been surveyed more than 10 years ago, and nearly 10 per cent had no record at all. 

In addition, the RSH found that stock condition surveys undertaken prior to 2024 did not include an assessment of hazards.

The regulatory judgement also showed that there was lack of clarity for tenants as to what they can expect in terms of the repairs service. 

The RSH added that it lacks assurance that Portsmouth City Council has adequate oversight of its repairs performance to enable it to ensure it provides an effective, efficient and timely repairs and maintenance service.

“Considering the range of issues across relevant outcomes of the Safety and Quality Standard, it is our judgement that there are serious failings in how Portsmouth CC is delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards and significant improvement is needed,” the RSH said in its regulatory judgement.

Kate Dodsworth, chief of regulatory engagement at the RSH, said: “The health and safety of tenants is non-negotiable. 

“Providing safe, decent homes for tenants starts with accurate, up-to-date data. Without this, it is impossible to deliver the right services to residents. 

“Portsmouth City Council has engaged constructively with us and we welcome their transparency in making a self-referral. This is the first step towards addressing the serious failings identified and making significant improvements.” 

The regulator said the council has “engaged constructively” with the RSH and acted transparently by making a detailed self-referral and “is taking steps to address the serious failings identified and make significant improvements”.

This includes work to improve the information it holds on the condition of its homes and improve systems and processes to enable better monitoring and reporting relating to the safety and quality of homes.

Work under way also includes reviewing reporting and recording processes for responsive repairs and continuing to improve its understanding of tenants’ needs.

“We are engaging with Portsmouth CC as it continues to address the issues that led to this judgement and we will seek evidence that provides the assurance that sufficient change and progress is being made, including ongoing monitoring of how it delivers its improvement programme,” the regulator said.

“Our priority will be that any risks to tenants are adequately managed and mitigated. We are not proposing to use our enforcement powers at this stage but will keep this under review as Portsmouth CC seeks to resolve these issues.”

Darren Sanders, cabinet member for housing and tackling homelessness and leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “We knew there was room for improvement to meet the new regulatory standards. That’s why we referred ourselves and have publicised this to our tenants and other stakeholders.

“We welcome and accept the findings of the regulator and will work constructively and proactively with them and our tenants on those areas they have identified.”

Mr Sanders said he is “confident” that the council is already addressing the issues raised.

“Tenants are at the heart of everything we do, and tenant feedback reassures us that they have confidence in us as a landlord,” he said.

“We want to be open and transparent with our tenants, leaseholders and shared owners, and to embrace the ongoing work plan. This is the start of our journey with the regulator, and we will continue to work closely with them.”

To date, 17 councils have been handed C3 gradings in their first inspections, with a further two holding the lowest grade, C4.