Appeal lodged against RSH decision to deregister small south west housing association

An appeal to the High Court has been lodged against the Regulator of Social Housing’s decision to deregister Pivotal Housing Association from its register of providers.

The regulator (RSH) informed the housing association of its decision on 27 May, explaining that it was taking action due to Pivotal’s “persistent and long-standing failure to deliver the outcomes of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard”.

Pivotal, which operates across Cornwall, Gloucester and Dorset, had until 23 June to appeal the decision. In an update published this morning, the regulator confirmed an appeal had been made under section 121 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.

The provider will remain on the register pending the outcome of the appeal.

In its decision earlier this year, RSH said Pivotal, which provides supported housing through leases, “failed to demonstrate effective governance and that it is managing its affairs appropriately to serve and protect its tenants’ best interests.”

It said Pivotal had been “balance sheet insolvent for more than two years” and had “failed to meet RSH requirements for robust business planning and stress testing.”

The RSH said the housing association had failed to meet the rent standard, had gaps in its understanding of the condition of its homes, and had incorrectly reported homes as social housing.

“Pivotal has had an extensive opportunity to make improvements to achieve better outcomes for its tenants and has failed to do so,” it said. 

“Pivotal may continue to operate as a private landlord, and our decision does not change individual tenancy agreements.”

Pivotal has been contacted for comment.