BCP Council praised for housing standards

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has been ranked among the best local authorities in England for social housing standard.

This comes weeks after councillors were updated on how the authority is managing safety and compliance issues across its housing stock.

BCP Council’s housing service, BCP Homes, has been awarded the highest possible grade, C1,  by the Regulator of Social Housing, placing it among only seven councils nationwide to achieve the top rating. 

The inspection assessed the quality, safety and management of services provided to council tenants.

The announcement follows a cabinet meeting on 14 January, where members received a detailed Housing and Property Compliance Update covering health and safety responsibilities across homes within the Housing Revenue Account.

At the meeting, Councillor Kieron Wilson, the Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, presented performance data outlining how the council ensures compliance with current health and safety legislation, best practice and regulatory standards.

The report included updates on damp and mould, Decent Homes standards, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), stock condition assessments and an internal compliance audit.

Cabinet members were told the report forms part of a quarterly commitment to keep councillors informed about performance and risks relating to BCP Homes. 

Members also expressed thanks to council officers for their work, particularly in addressing damp and mould issues.

The cabinet unanimously noted the compliance information, acknowledging the council’s performance against its statutory building and property-related responsibilities.

Just weeks later, the Regulator of Social Housing published its inspection findings, the first under its new consumer standards framework, praising BCP Council’s approach to repairs, housing management and safety across its 9,600 rented homes.

Inspectors highlighted the council’s proactive response to damp and mould, alongside measures ensuring homes are safe, including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and regular safety checks.

The regulator also noted that 94 per cent of emergency repairs and 82 per cent of non-emergency repairs were completed on time.

Resident engagement was another key area of praise, with the regulator stating that tenants’ views are respected, listened to and acted upon.

Improvements in tackling anti-social behaviour were also noted.

Councillor Kieron Wilson said the result reflected the council’s focus on more than just physical housing conditions.

“Our priority is to provide quality homes for our residents, not simply bricks and mortar,” he said.

“This grading outcome is testament to the hard-working team at BCP Homes who are genuinely passionate about delivering a high level of service.”

He added that while the rating marked a significant milestone, the council would continue to improve and respond to residents’ concerns.

Kelly Deane, Director of Housing and Public Protection, said the inspection outcome demonstrated the council’s commitment to safe and well-managed homes but stressed the authority would not become complacent.

“We will build on this success and continue to listen and act on what tenants tell us is important to them,” she said.

Residents have also welcomed the recognition.

Roger Smithers, a BCP Homes resident and Chair of the Residents Committee, said tenants feel listened to and supported.

“You are a person and not a number with BCP Homes,” he said. 

The council says it will continue reporting to cabinet on housing compliance issues on a quarterly basis as part of its ongoing oversight of BCP Homes.