Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council has been handed a C3 consumer grading after the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) found it failed to meet required consumer standards.

Inspectors reported that less than half of the council’s homes have received a full stock condition survey in the past five years. They also highlighted inconsistent reporting, tracking and oversight of key health and safety responsibilities.

The regulator said Oldham MBC was unable to demonstrate that tenants’ views are meaningfully considered when shaping landlord services.

Kate Dodsworth, chief of Regulatory Engagement at?RSH, said: ‘Social landlords need accurate, up-to-date data about tenants and their homes, to ensure homes are safe and services are good quality. We also expect landlords to engage with tenants, listen to what they say, and use their feedback to improve service outcomes.’

According to the RSH’s report, many of the issues stem from how the council has managed its two PFI agreements covering most of its housing stock. The council’s PFI managing partners submit reports which provide reassurance on some compliance areas, but this ‘does not cover all expected areas.’

Dodsworth commented: ‘Senior councillors and officers must scrutinise the performance of delivery partners and the service they are providing, as the ultimate responsibility for meeting our standards rests with the landlord.’

Commenting on the grading, Cllr Elaine Taylor, cabinet member for Neighbourhoods, said: ‘This is a serious judgment, and we fully accept the findings. Residents deserve a housing service where safety and accountability come first.’

She added: 'Most of the issues relate to governance and oversight. The regulator recognises that we had already started making improvements, and we will now go further and faster.’