Arun District Council’s housing service has been hit with the regulator’s lowest rating after inspectors uncovered ‘very serious failings’.
An inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) revealed 2,500 open and overdue repairs cases and 1,000 overdue fire risk assessment remedial actions.
The RSH also discovered that over half of the council’s homes do not have smoke detectors.
The regulator criticised the council’s approach to accountability and its handling of anti-social behaviour and hate incidents.
The district council received a C4 grading, meaning there are ‘very serious failings’ and ‘fundamental changes’ are needed.
A spokesperson for Arun District Council said they were ‘treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves.’
They added: ‘We are fully committed to addressing all areas highlighted in the judgement. Rectifying these issues is our top priority, and we are taking immediate steps to ensure our tenants are safe and living in satisfactory housing conditions.’
