William Eichler 25 February 2026

Three councils fail to meet consumer standards

Three councils fail to meet consumer standards image
© bangoland / Shutterstock.com.

Three councils have failed to meet consumer standards, according to regulatory judgements published by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).

Runnymede Borough Council received a C4 grading, the most serious rating, following findings of very serious failings. The council had self-referred to the regulator in June 2025 over rent-setting issues.

Inspectors also identified weaknesses in stock condition surveys, with only 30% of homes having a full survey since 2021, and nearly 250 previously unknown hazards uncovered. Concerns were also raised about data accuracy and tenant engagement.

Both City of London Corporation and Rugby Borough Council were issued C3 gradings.

At the City of London Corporation, more than 1,000 fire safety actions were overdue and 18% of homes failed the Decent Homes Standard. Rugby Borough Council was criticised over incomplete stock data and outdated electrical safety checks.

The regulator said all three authorities are working with it to address the issues identified.

Cllr Mike Smith, chair of the Runnymede Borough Council Housing Committee said: 'The Regulator’s report mirrors much of our own existing improvement plan, which identified what needs to be done to address historic issues with Runnymede’s social housing stock.'

He added: 'We will be contacting all of our tenants to advise them of the Report’s findings.'

City of London Corporation Policy Chairman Chris Hayward said: 'We recognised that there were historic issues in our housing stock, which is why we agreed a multi-million-pound housing investment action plan in December. We accept these findings in full and are determined to meet the standards our tenants deserve.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Engagement and Co-Production Practitioner

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO3 - £45,750 to £49,056
You will develop accessible and inclusive ways for people to participate, recognising that different children and families London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

HR Business Partner Manager - Maldon District Council

Essex County Council
£49435.14 - £54930.60 per annum + Pension
HR Business Partner Manager - Maldon District CouncilPermanent, Full TimeFrom £49,435.14 to £54,930.6053,175.80 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Disability Home Improvement Service Manager

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£71 181 - £74 802
We are looking for a proven leader with significant experience managing customer-focused housing, adaptation, or home improvement services. London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Regional Illegal Tobacco Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO4 - £49,056 to £52,194
Lead the development and delivery of intelligence-led enforcement strategies across London. London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner