Regulator has been in engagement with Easy Housing Association for several years
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) is considering removing a small housing association from the register of social housing providers.
Today, the RSH published a regulatory judgement on East Housing Association, which operates in Birmingham and London and provides housing through lease agreements with private landlords.
The regulator has taken action due to Easy’s “persistent and long-standing” failure to deliver the outcomes of the governance and financial viability standard and the rent standard.
It comes after intensive engagement with Easy, following RSH findings in 2023 and a range of enforcement actions since last July, aimed at improving its capacity and capability.
“Easy has failed to fully comply with the terms of the enforcement notice and requirement to appoint a manager to manage its social housing affairs,” the RSH said.
The regulator made three appointments to the provider’s board last July, but now says Easy has “not adequately cooperated with the appointed individuals who have sought to strengthen governance and provide valuable senior-level sector expertise in finance, governance and tenant safety”.
The regulator has extended the appointments for a further three months while it considers de-registration.
According to the RSH, Easy has failed to demonstrate it has effective governance and probity arrangements or an appropriate, robust and prudent business planning framework, and has not demonstrated it is managing resources effectively to maintain viability.
RSH also concluded that Easy has failed to ensure its rents are set appropriately to meet the rent standard.
“Being a registered social landlord comes with responsibilities,” said RSH chief executive Jonathan Walters.
“We expect landlords to take prompt and effective action when we identify failings – but Easy has failed to address its issues or work constructively with us, despite us using our enforcement powers.
“We are concerned that Easy does not have a credible route to resolving these serious issues and, as a result, we are now considering compulsory de-registration.”
Easy can make representations for the RSH’s consideration.
Easy has been contacted for comment.
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