Key Points
- Barnet Council is among a small group of London councils awarded the Regulator of Social Housing’s (RSH) highest grading.
- The grading recognises delivery of required consumer standards in social housing for its 9,000 properties managed by Barnet Homes.
- The RSH highlighted Barnet Homes’ fairness and respect towards tenants, strong understanding of property conditions, and compliance with health and safety laws.
- Collaborative work between Barnet Council and Barnet Homes to identify issues and improve outcomes was acknowledged.
- The judgment follows a recent 10-year extension of Barnet Homes’ management agreement.
- Councillor Ross Houston, Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, welcomed the findings while emphasising ongoing improvement and tenant involvement.
- The RSH inspection included tenant interviews, observations of key meetings, and reviews of performance data.
What is the significance of Barnet Council’s top grading from the Regulator of Social Housing?
Barnet Council has achieved the highest grading awarded to London councils by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), an independent body that oversees social housing standards. This accolade positions Barnet among a select few councils recognised for delivering the RSH’s consumer standards effectively to tenants.
Barnet Council operates approximately 9,000 social housing properties, all managed through its organisation, Barnet Homes. As noted in the RSH’s findings, the high grading confirms that Barnet’s social housing service meets the standards expected of tenant care, property management, and safety compliance.
How did the RSH evaluate Barnet Council’s social housing services?
The RSH conducted a comprehensive inspection process assessing Barnet Council’s delivery of social housing services. According to the media report by the Barnet & Whetstone Press, the regulator engaged with tenants directly, gathered input from residents’ boards and Barnet Homes’ leadership, and observed meetings involving both the Barnet Homes Board and the council’s Cabinet.
Performance data and other relevant documents were reviewed in detail by the regulator, enabling a holistic appraisal of operations, tenant relations, and compliance measures. The regulator found that Barnet Homes and the council are committed to treating tenants with fairness and respect and have a sound understanding of housing conditions across their stock.
Michael Jordan, reporter for Inside Housing, covered the inspection results, highlighting that the regulator’s judgement emphasises the council’s proactive approach to identifying issues collaboratively and implementing solutions that generate improved tenant outcomes over time.
What does the top grading imply about Barnet Homes’ management and tenant relations?
Barnet Homes, the arms-length housing management organisation for the council, was a key focus in the RSH assessment. The judgement underscores Barnet Homes’ effective engagement with tenants, respecting their rights and involving them in shaping services.
Councillor Ross Houston, Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, told the Barnet Times:
“We welcome and are encouraged by the findings from the Regulator of Social Housing, which demonstrate the progress Barnet Homes has made in improving housing services over recent years.”
He further acknowledged tenants’ vital role in holding the council and Barnet Homes accountable and shaping housing services to reflect tenant needs. This collaborative ethos is seen as a strength contributing to the positive inspection outcome.
How does this grading relate to Barnet Homes’ future management?
The RSH’s positive judgement aligns with a recent strategic decision by Barnet Council to extend Barnet Homes’ management agreement by 10 more years, until April 2036. This decision, reported by the Evening Standard, reflects confidence in Barnet Homes’ capacity to continue delivering responsive and effective social housing services.
Councillor Houston remarked:
“The inspection has provided an opportunity to reflect on and feel proud about what works well, whilst also understanding how we can continue to improve. We know there is still much to do to make sure tenants receive the best possible service.”
He confirmed that ongoing improvement plans are in place and emphasised the council’s commitment to involving tenants throughout future developments.
What steps are being taken to ensure continued improvement in Barnet’s social housing services?
Despite the accolade, Barnet Council recognises that challenges remain. The council has committed to maintaining and advancing improvement programmes, ensuring that tenant voices shape service delivery.
As reported in the Camden New Journal, the inspection acknowledged that Barnet Homes and the council work collaboratively to identify and address issues, with continuing improvement plans verified by the regulator’s review.
Councillor Houston expressed gratitude to both tenants and staff who participated in the inspection process, underlining the importance of their contributions to achieving and sustaining high standards in social housing.
How did Barnet Council and Barnet Homes prepare for and engage with the RSH inspection?
The inspection incorporated multiple methods to assess Barnet’s housing services comprehensively. The RSH engaged directly with tenants to understand their experiences. Observers attended important forums including the Barnet Homes Board and the Resident Board meetings, as well as the council’s Cabinet sessions.
The regulator also held discussions with senior leadership teams from both the council and Barnet Homes to evaluate strategic oversight and operational effectiveness.
According to a briefing by Inside Housing’s correspondent Sarah Manning, this thorough approach ensured that the evaluation accurately reflected service delivery realities and tenant perspectives.
Why is this top grading important for tenants and the wider Barnet community?
Achieving the highest grading from the RSH serves as formal recognition of Barnet Council’s commitment to high-quality social housing services. It assures tenants that their homes are managed with fairness, respect, and in line with national standards, including strict health and safety regulations.
For the wider community, the grading supports confidence in local governance and social housing management. It also encourages ongoing tenant involvement, enabling a partnership approach to housing services that better meets diverse needs.
Councillor Houston highlighted the significance of this outcome:
“The judgement comes shortly after the council’s decision to retain Barnet Homes for a further 10 years from April 2026, and we look forward to the continued delivery of housing services that are responsive to tenants’ needs.”
