Arun District Council leader Martin Lury has offered a “sincere and unreserved apology” to tenants for “serious failings” by the authority, following a report by the Regulator of Social Housing which found “significant failures” in how it operated as a landlord.
The inspection report was issued in August, giving the lowest possible C4 rating, and demanding “fundamental changes” in how the council operates. Findings included a failure to meet health and safety requirements relating to fire safety and smoke detection, a lack of accurate information on stock quality, repairs not being completed on time, and homes not meeting the Decent Homes Standard.
Lury said the failings “spanned many years and many administrations,” and that the council was “determined to put things right,” adding that a “comprehensive” improvement programme was already underway.
In August, a spokesperson for the Regulator said they said they had “not yet seen evidence to sufficiently assure us that understands the potential risks to tenants and of its ability to put matters right, including taking prompt action to gain assurance that tenants are safe.”
The council said: “We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and above all, the safety and wellbeing of our tenants.”