Suffolk: Urgent action to resolve issues in 344 homes

Babergh and Mid Suffolk Councils are taking urgent action to resolve the issues after finding that 344 of the 6,788 council homes in their districts did not have up-to-date electrical safety reports, while gas inspections were overdue on 92 properties.

A further 33 homes were in need of asbestos reinspection surveys.

The problems with health and safety compliance arose when the councils began a programme of work to improve their Building Services last summer.

Measures are already being taken to address the concerns, including additional inspections, an overhaul of existing processes and obtaining more robust data around health and safety compliance to reassure tenants.

Cllr John Ward, leader of Babergh District Council, spoke of his 'disappointment' about the problems with council homes (Image: Babergh District Council)

The councils voluntarily referred themselves to the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) as soon as they became aware of the issues and contacted all tenants.

The RSH has now confirmed the councils’ findings and issued a Regulatory Notice, meaning it will monitor the councils and meet regularly until it is assured sustainable, long-term improvements are embedded.

No further action will be taken by the RSH as a programme of work is already in place to address the issues.

The council will be writing to all tenants affected and will be keeping them updated on the situation.

Mid Suffolk District Council leader Suzie Morley said the council was treating the matter ‘extremely seriously’ and any overdue checks would be carried out in weeks.

Babergh District Council leader John Ward said it was ‘disappointing,’ but everything was being done to address issues as quickly as possible.

He said: “As a responsible landlord, we referred ourselves to the regulator at the earliest stage to seek guidance and will be taking every possible step to ensure we are providing the best possible service to tenants in the future.”