RSH signals value for money drive to free up capacity for development

The RSH chief executive said that providers would therefore see an increasing focus on value for money from her organisation.

“If we’re trying to pull every lever to free up that extra pound for new supply and capacity, then value for money comes back into play in quite a big way, and efficiency comes back into play in quite a big way,” Ms MacGregor said.

She added: “And one of the really important roles of the board in governance terms is really testing: can we get this onto a more stable footing over the longer term? How can we drive efficiencies to make sure that we’re getting the best value for money for every pound that we spend, whether it’s on existing or whether it’s on new homes?

“So, challenging yourself on efficiency is crucial, and I think you’ll hear us focusing on that a lot more in the next six to 12 months.”

Government priorities

Developing new homes would also be important in contributing to wider government ambitions, Ms MacGregor emphasised.

“Everybody knows we need more [homes]. Increasing supply is critical. It’s critical for all the families who are not well housed at the moment. 

“But it does have a really major role to play in that contribution to the economic growth agenda in so many ways. So, in terms of arguments to Treasury and to the chancellor, it’s got a role that hits lots and lots of current government priority buttons.”

Ms MacGregor said that the RSH is “constantly” working with the government to inform the Spending Review.

She added that the regulator has “a really big role” in providing the government with up-to-date information and data on the sector as well as analysis and modelling of scenarios to help it with decisions for the Spending Review.

“I can’t tell you actually how intense it is at the moment in terms of the work that we are doing to inform through the department, and actually directly to the Treasury in some cases, the decisions around the Spending Review.”

‘Early signs’ of consumer regulation progress

Elsewhere, the RSH is starting to see “some good signs” of improvement of consumer experiences in the sector and is getting a lot more early self-referrals because providers are looking for themselves, Ms MacGregor said.

“Our inspections are uncovering things that I think have come out sooner than they might otherwise have done.”

The RSH is also starting to see “the earliest of early signs” that some of the work on providers understanding their stock and more frequent stock condition surveys “is starting to show some fruit”, Ms MacGregor said. This has meant that the “balance is shifting” towards planned maintenance, rather than responsive repairs.

“There’s a little bit more in terms of stability, of predictability of spend, as opposed to lots and lots of spikes of responsive repair. 

“Now, it’s not across the board yet, and, as I say, it’s early shoots, but I think we are starting to see that having an effect.”