RSH withdraws decision to deregister small provider

The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has withdrawn its decision to deregister Pivotal Housing Association from its register of providers after a legal appeal.

At the end of May this year, the regulator notified Pivotal of its decision to deregister it, citing “persistent and long-standing failure to deliver the outcomes of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard”.

In response, the small provider in July made an appeal to the High Court under section 121 of the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.

In an update posted on gov.uk today, the RSH revealed that it had decided on 6 October 2026 to withdraw its decision.

It added that “the matter is under review” and that Pivotal Housing Association will accordingly remain on the register.

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, which operates across Cornwall, Gloucester and Dorset, had been “balance sheet insolvent for more than two years” and had “failed to meet RSH requirements for robust business planning and stress testing.”

It further 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,” said the RSH. 

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

Pivotal has been contacted for comment.