Brent informs Housing Regulator about risk assessment concerns

Brent Council has voluntarily referred itself to the Housing Regulator in relation to our previous approach to managing building risk assessment actions.

The council has completed the necessary checks across its estates, but it has identified weaknesses in our management of follow-up actions.

These concerns were identified as part of Brent’s new Housing Improvement Plan, and the council has written to tenants to inform them of what action we will take next.

Keeping tenants safe – what the council is doing next:

* The council’s Director of Housing is working closely with the Regulator of Social Housing as they assess the issues identified.

* Brent has brought in building safety specialists who are carrying out a detailed assessment of our actions log to make sure the council has carried out the necessary works.

* Specialist contractors will be ready to start work on any outstanding actions that are identified.

* The council will write to tenants informing them of the scope of works required, and provide support to address any concerns tenants may have about their home.

Councillor Fleur Donnelly-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Housing and Resident Services, said: “The safety and security of our tenants and leaseholders is absolutely essential and I am determined to improve the quality of our council homes. Whilst we have made real, tangible progress in recent months, the council will now work closely with the Regulator to strengthen our processes, and families will be kept up to date as we fix any outstanding actions.

“We're looking forward to working with the tenants who have joined the new Housing Management Advisory Board, because listening leads to better decision-making and we are determined to improve the service we offer.”

From a new damp and mould squad to action days where teams blitz through repairs that are needed on council estates, as well as appointing new leadership in the council’s Housing Department, the council has made a start – but in this instance, we have fallen short of the council's responsibilities as a landlord, and the expectations of our tenants.