Following an independent inspection of its landlord services, Derby City Council has been awarded the highest possible consumer standards judgement by the Regulator of Social Housing. 

The C1 judgement confirms that Derby City Council is meeting the highest consumer standards expected of social landlords, giving tenants independent assurance about the quality, safety and accountability of their housing services.

It reflects years of work to strengthen services, improve outcomes for tenants and embed the standards expected of a modern social landlord, delivered in partnership with Derby Homes, which manages the Council’s housing stock.

The inspection report recognises that as a landlord, the Council is making effective use of its systems and processes to identify and address potential issues and areas for improvement. It also recognises the Council for having strong oversight of its housing stock and in responding to potential issues before they escalate. 
The regulator highlighted several successes:

  • The Council has a strong, well-evidenced understanding of the condition of its homes with surveys (including Housing Health and Safety Rating System assessments) completed on around 90% of the properties in the last five years, and a plan to reach 100% by March 2027.
  • 99% of homes meet the Decent Homes Standard, with robust systems in place to keep tenants safe in their homes.
  • The Council is delivering an effective, efficient and timely repairs and maintenance service, with high levels of tenant satisfaction. 

As part of the inspection, inspectors met with tenants, councillors, the leader of the Council, and the Cabinet Member for housing, and senior officers. 

Councillor Shiraz Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Strategic Planning and Regulatory Services, said:

I’m thrilled that we've received the highest rating for our social housing services. Not only is this fantastic news for our services, it’s also fantastic news for our tenants and is something that we can all be proud of.

The C1 judgement reflects our shared commitment with Derby Homes to provide our tenants with safe, well-managed homes, and to listen to the people who live in them. We will continue to work with residents to improve our services.

Jsan Shepherd, Chair of Derby Homes, said: 

Derby Homes exists to deliver great housing services on behalf of Derby City Council, so we're delighted that this longstanding partnership has been recognised through independent inspection. 

This judgement reflects years of collaboration, investment and learning, always with the aim of improving services for tenants. We'll rightly celebrate this achievement, while continuing to focus on the opportunities identified by the regulator so that we keep building on these strong foundations.

The Council and Derby Homes will now use the inspection findings to shape their next phase of improvement work, maintaining the high standards recognised by the regulator while continuing to strengthen repairs performance and overall tenant experience.

The Regulator of Social Housing oversees social housing providers, including councils and housing associations, to ensure they are well-governed, financially viable and delivering quality homes and services for current and future tenants. Its consumer standards are designed to make sure landlords provide safe, decent homes, listen to tenants and act on their feedback.

The full report can be read on the Government website.