Regulation of Social Housing - Assurance Statement 2026 - Report
Renfrewshire Council · 18 August 2026
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 18 August 2026 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PUBLIC ___________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 18 August 2026 __________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Regulation of Social Housing: Assurance Statement 2026 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The Council is required to submit an Annual Assurance Statement to the Scottish Housing Regulator by 31 October 2026 demonstrating compliance with the regulatory requirements for local authorities and Registered Social Landlords (RSLs). 1.2 Appendix 1 lists the requirements as set out in Chapter 3 of the Scottish Housing Regulator’s Regulatory Framework and provides evidence to demonstrate Renfrewshire Council’s compliance. As Members are aware, regular reports are presented to the Policy Board on housing services performance and benchmarking. These reports demonstrate continuing strong performance across most areas of the housing service in 2025/26 and also highlight some areas for improvement. 1.3 The proposed Annual Assurance Statement 2026 for Renfrewshire Council is attached at Appendix 2 for approval by the Policy Board. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations It is recommended that the Communities and Housing Policy Board: 2.1 Notes the Regulatory Requirements and evidence of Renfrewshire Council’s compliance as set out in Appendix 1. 2.2 Approves Renfrewshire Council’s Annual Assurance Statement 2025 for submission to the Scottish Housing Regulator as attached in Appendix 2. ___________________________________________________________________
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PUBLIC 3. Background 3.1 All social landlords are required to prepare and submit an Annual Assurance Statement to the Scottish Housing Regulator each year. The first Annual Assurance Statement from Renfrewshire Council was approved by the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board and submitted to the Scottish Housing Regulator in October 2019, with subsequent statements being submitted annually thereafter. 3.2 The regulatory requirements for all social landlords include: • Meeting all duties, obligations and responsibilities placed on landlords by legislation and through statutory guidance. • Achieving the standards and outcomes in the Scottish Social Housing Charter. • Duties to help people who are homeless, including a statutory duty to prevent and alleviate homelessness. • Duties relating to the safety of tenants’ homes and promoting equality and human rights. • Meeting the requirements and adhering to relevant guidance from other regulatory bodies; and • Adhering to statutory guidance from the Scottish Housing Regulator and taking account of regulatory advice. 3.3 The Scottish Housing Regulator lists the regulatory requirements for local authorities under five headings in its Regulatory Framework. Appendix 1, which is attached to this report, shows how Renfrewshire Council meets each of these requirements and gives details of current evidence which demonstrates compliance. 1. Assurance and notification 2. Scottish Social Housing Charter performance 3. Tenants and service user’s redress 4. Whistleblowing 5. Equality and Human Rights 3.4 Arrangements are in place to report regularly to the Policy Board on a range of matters relevant to the above requirements. This includes tenant and resident engagement, service improvement planning, service performance and financial and risk management. Where appropriate, these reports address areas for improvement as well as highlighting areas where the service is performing well. The normal annual cycle of reports is detailed in the table below:
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PUBLIC Table 1. Annual Cycle of Reports Subject Month Homelessness: Annual Benchmarking Report January Housing Revenue Account Budget and Rent Levels (report to Council) February/March Renfrewshire Common Housing Allocation Policy – Council Allocation Targets March Renfrewshire Council Tenant Participation Strategy – Update March 3-year Service Improvement Plan May Housing Landlord Compliance – Bi-annual Performance Report May & October Annual Return on the Charter (and management information on allocations, repairs, homelessness and May Private Sector Housing Grant Investment Programme May Housing-led Regeneration and Renewal Programme for Renfrewshire August Regulation of Social Housing: Assurance Statement August Housing Asset Management Strategy Action Plan October Service Improvement Plan Mid-Year Monitoring October Charter Half Year Update (and management information on allocations, repairs, homelessness and rent collection) October Homelessness and Housing Support Every second cycle Budget reports (including Housing Revenue Account) 5 reports in the year Service Update report Each cycle Performance 3.5 Performance against the Scottish Social Housing Charter Indicators was reported to Board in May. The Charter data for 2025/26 displayed improved or stable performance in most indicators. Of the 26 indicators where performance can be compared with last year, the majority – seventeen - have improved, seven remain unchanged and two have dipped slightly in performance. Five new indicators were reported on for the first time this year. 3.6 As reported to Board on 19 May 2026, this year’s ARC return saw significant improvements achieved across key housing services, including faster turnaround of empty homes, reducing rent loss, improvements in repairs performance and satisfaction, adaptations delivered more quickly, reducing waiting times for tenants, and improvement in rent arrears management.
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PUBLIC Engagement with Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) 3.7 The Scottish Housing Regulator’s Engagement Plan for 2026/2027 noted that Renfrewshire Council is operating in an increasingly difficult environment for delivering homelessness services, with national data and local engagement indicating a heightened risk that demand may soon exceed capacity. This aligns with concerns highlighted in the Scottish Housing Regulator’s December 2023 update, which identified systemic risks across Scotland that has impacted several local authorities. 3.8 In line with the Engagement Plan, the Council provides the Regulator with required information on its homelessness services, continues its best efforts to meet statutory duties - including the provision of suitable temporary accommodation under the Unsuitable Accommodation Order - and keeps the Regulator informed about its capacity to meet these obligations through quarterly meetings during 2026/27. 3.9 A comprehensive Homelessness Action Plan for Renfrewshire covering the period 2026 - 2028 has been approved by the Policy Board which details the broad range of tasks / actions that are required across housing options, temporary accommodation, homeless prevention and service development 3.10 We have strengthened our approach to tenant and resident safety, we have developed an asbestos management plan, training for staff has been provided and all members of the Communities and Housing Policy Board were offered training on asbestos earlier in the year. Tenant & Resident Safety, Compliance 3.11 Renfrewshire Council takes tenant and resident safety seriously. There have been no gas certification failures since April 2026, no water safety incidents, and no lift safety issues reported. Electrical safety compliance stands at 99%, with work ongoing to address the small number of outstanding properties. Fire risk assessments continue to be completed and reviewed in line with programme requirements, while an asbestos action plan remains in place with external support helping to progress additional workload. Positive progress continues in dealing with damp and mould, with 107 cases resolved by the end of June 2026. The overall average to resolve cases of damp and mould (including more complex structural cases) is 40.3 days. This demonstrates the Council's commitment to addressing issues thoroughly. There are 72 cases currently under investigation highlighting proactive case management to improve property conditions and support tenant health and wellbeing. A Housing Landlord Compliance team has been in place since 2023; a comprehensive Landlord Compliance Strategy was developed and policies for all compliance matters produced. The Damp and Mould Policy is being presented to the same Board as this report. As well as Bi-annual compliance reports the Board receives updates on progress with tackling reports of dampness and mould and other compliance matters within the Service Update reports which are presented each cycle.
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PUBLIC An Asbestos Awareness session was held for policy board members on 10th February 2026. This informative session, delivered by Professor Roger Willey, Managing Director of ACS Risk Group and a globally recognised authority on asbestos risk management, provided essential insights into: • The background and historical context of asbestos use • Health risks and associated diseases • The legal duty to manage asbestos • How Renfrewshire Council Housing Services is managing asbestos compliance Asset Management 3.12 This year, the SHR are asking landlords to provide specific assurance on two areas: • Data on homes. • Compliance with the Scottish Government’s minimum site standards for Gypsy/Traveller sites. Renfrewshire Council does not have any Gypsy/Traveller sites so there is no requirement for the Council in this area. Regarding data on homes, the Council has robust procedures in place ensure that our Housing Asset Management data is comprehensive, up-to-date, and continuously reviewed. Our work is guided by our current Asset Management Strategy (2025-30), and its associated Action Plan, which were approved by the Policy Board in October 2025. Our data is stored on a Housing Asset Management Software System (Apex). Apex contains all our homes with data on type, form, construction and identified by archetypes. Each home and block on the system contain attributes and characteristic data on individual components/elements, with their install date, required replacement date and associated costs. The Apex system will be replaced in 2027, with the implementation of the new Housing Management System (NEC) which includes asset management as one of its core functions. This will include all HRA owned assets, including homes, commercial properties, lock-ups and launderettes. The introduction of the new software will allow all data in relation to housing services, including repairs and asset management, to be held on the one system. The new system will also allow us to display our asset management data within an integrated geographic information system and incorporate data from our environmental sensors. It also includes new features such as an integrated Asset Performance Review module, providing strategic assessments of our stock in keeping with the SHRs integrated asset management guidance.
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PUBLIC Equalities and Human Rights 3.13 On Equalities and Human Rights, we can provide assurance that we comply with all regulatory requirements and standards, including the requirement on equalities and human rights. Section 5 of Appendix 1 provides full details of our approach and how we comply and adapt service to meet these requirements. 3.14 Social landlords are required to advise the Scottish Housing Regulator of any material changes to Council’s Annual Assurance Statement during the year. Members should note that there were no material changes to our Assurance Statement last year. __________________________________________________________________ Implications of the Report 1. Financial – None. 2. HR & Organisational Development – None. 3. Community/Council Planning – • Our Renfrewshire is thriving – Providing housing and homelessness services which meet regulatory standards. 4. Legal – None. 5. Property/Assets – None. 6. Information Technology – None. 7. Equality & Human Rights – (a) The Recommendations contained within this report have been assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights. No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the recommendations contained in the report. If required following implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 8. Health & Safety – None. 9. Procurement – None. 10. Risk – None. 11. Privacy Impact – None. 12. Climate Risk – None. 13. Children’s Rights – None.
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PUBLIC 14. Cosla Policy Position – None. ___________________________________________________________________ List of Background Papers Report to Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board on 15 January 2019 – Regulation of Social Housing – Response to Consultation by The Scottish Housing Regulator. Report to Communities and Housing Policy Board on 19 August 2025 – Regulation of Social Housing: Assurance Statement 2025. Report to Communities and Housing Policy Board on 19 May 2026 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2025/26, 2026 Engagement Plan The foregoing background paper will be retained within the Housing Service for inspection by the public for the prescribed period of four years from the date of the meeting. The contact officer within the service is Paul McLean, Housing Lead Officer, Policy Performance and Participation 0141-487 2183, e-mail paul.mclean@renfrewshire.gov.uk ___________________________________________________________________ Attachment(s): Appendix 1: Regulation of Social Housing Assurance Statement Appendix 2: Renfrewshire Council Assurance Statement 2026 Author: Paul McLean, Housing Lead Officer Email: paul.mclean@renfrewshire.gov.uk
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PUBLIC ANNUAL ASSURANCE STATEMENT 2026 APPENDIX 1
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2 PUBLIC Checklist of Regulatory Requirements/Standards 1. Assurance and Notification AN1 Prepare an Annual Assurance Statement in accordance with SHR published guidance, submit it to the SHR between April and the end of October each year, and make it available to tenants and other service users. How We Comply Evidence Account has been taken of the SHR’s guidance on Annual Assurance Statements in preparing this report. Some areas for improvement have been identified, and these are detailed within this report and in other reports to the Policy Board. All Annual Assurance Statements have been approved by Policy Board since 2019 and submitted to the SHR thereafter, with the SHR providing feedback as appropriate. The 2026 Annual Assurance Statement was discussed with the Tenant representatives at the joint tenant meeting held on 25 June 2026. A briefing session and presentation on the Annual Assurance Statement 2026 was provided to members of the Policy Board. Following Board approval, the Annual Assurance Statement 2026 will be available to tenants and other service users with a link to the Council’s website. CAH Policy Board Report 18 August 2026– Regulation of Social Housing Assurance Statement Updated Guidance on Regulatory Framework from SHR Published February 2024 Scottish Housing Regulator Engagement Plan 2026-2027 CAH Policy Board Report 19 May 2026 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2025/26, 2026 Engagement Plan Note of meeting with tenant representatives (25 June 2026) Annual Assurance Statement Presentation to members of the Policy Board 18 August 2026.
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3 PUBLIC AN2 Notify the SHR during the year of any material changes to the assurance in the Council’s Assurance Statement. How We Comply Evidence There were no material changes to the Council’s Assurance Statement for 2025. If there are any material changes for the Assurance Statement 2026, we will advise the SHR and the Communities and Housing Policy Board. To accommodate this during the year we provide a number of reports: • Annual report to the Charter was presented to the Communities and Housing Board in May 2026 noting performance in gas safety certification and electrical and smoke detector performance • Housing Bi-annual Compliance Report • Service Update reports, each cycle CAH Policy Board Report 19 May 2026 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2025/26, 2026 Engagement Plan CAH Policy Board Report 18 August 2026– Regulation of Social Housing Assurance Statement CHA Policy Board Report 19 May 2026 – Housing Bi-annual compliance report Service Update Reports to each meeting of the Communities and Housing Policy Board
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4 PUBLIC AN3 Have assurance and evidence that the Council is meeting all its legal obligations associated with housing and homelessness services, equality and human rights, and tenant and resident safety How We Comply Evidence Customer Engagement and Service Improvement We continue to engage with customers to review the strategic priorities of the Local Housing Strategy 2023–2028. When developing new policies or procedures, officers consult with Legal Services to ensure legal compliance, with key issues highlighted for Elected Members. In line with the Tenant Participation Strategy, tenants are consulted on all major policy decisions Performance across housing services is regularly monitored and benchmarked, both over time and against other social landlords. This helps identify areas for improvement, which are then addressed as part of our commitment to continuous service enhancement. Council and Housing Strategies, Plans, Policies and Procedures. Service Update Reports to the Communities and Housing Policy Board. Each cycle since January 2024. Local Housing Strategy– Update, CAH Policy Board Report 31 October 2023 Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 – Year Two (2024/25) Progress Update CAH Policy Board, 28 October 2025 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure - Service Improvement Plan 2026-2029 Tenant Participation Strategy – Update – CAH Policy Board 10 March 2026 CAH Policy Board Report 19 May 2026 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2025/26, 2026 Engagement Plan
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5 PUBLIC AN3 Have assurance and evidence that the Council is meeting all its legal obligations associated with housing and homelessness services, equality and human rights, and tenant and resident safety How We Comply Evidence Homelessness and Access to Housing • Temporary Accommodation: The number of furnished temporary accommodation units has now increased to 303, including Council, RSL, and Supported Accommodation. B&B use is a last resort, and we had 30 single person households staying in local hotels at end of June 2026. • Housing First: The Council continues to support vulnerable individuals through the Housing First approach, using the Housing Support and RRTP budget effectively. • Service Planning: A comprehensive Homelessness Action Plan for Renfrewshire covering 2026-2028 has been developed which details the broad range of tasks / actions that are required across housing options, temporary accommodation, homeless prevention and service development. • Housing Options Toolkit: Promotes person-centred service delivery, staff consistency, and awareness of support resources. • Allocations: The Common Housing Allocation Policy ensures fair access to housing, with targets and outcomes reviewed annually by the Policy Board. Target of 55% of general Council lets to homeless applicants was achieved in 2025/26, and the same target has been approved for 2026/27. Renfrewshire Common Housing Allocation Policy CAH Report -Renfrewshire Common Housing Allocation Policy - Council Housing Allocation Targets for 2026/2027, 10 March 2026 Homelessness Action Plan for Renfrewshire 2026 - 2028 approved by Communities & Housing Policy Board in May 2026, and subsequently shared with all other social housing providers in Renfrewshire Environment, Housing & Infrastructure - Service Improvement Plan 2025-2028 (outturn report) Environment, Housing & Infrastructure - Service Improvement Plan 2026-2029 Service Update Reports (Each Cycle)
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6 PUBLIC AN3 Have assurance and evidence that the Council is meeting all its legal obligations associated with housing and homelessness services, equality and human rights, and tenant and resident safety How We Comply Evidence • Tenant Support Fund (TSF): Provides financial relief to tenants in hardship, helping to prevent rent arrears and sustain tenancies. • Unsuitable accommodation. The position at mid-July is that of the 322 households in temporary accommodation 20 are in breach the unsuitable accommodation order. • Failure to offer temporary accommodation since our last reported figure of 8 failures in April 2026 there have been zero failures to offer accommodation since April up to mid- July. Tenant Support Fund Policy Equalities & Human Rights We continue to collect and analyse data on new and existing tenants to provide a better understanding of the needs and requirements for all equality groups. Environment, Housing & Infrastructure - Service Improvement Plan 2026-2029 Housing Options Application Form • Tenant & Resident Safety • The Council takes Tenant and Resident Safety seriously, the measures we take, and our performance are reported to Board on a regular basis. • Comprehensive Compliance Coverage • There is a dedicated team covering: Gas, Electrical, Fire, Water, Asbestos, Lifts, Damp & Mould • Bi-annual performance reporting • Governance & Oversight • Members were provided with training on compliance (Feb 2025) • Regular reports to Board on safety and compliance Corporate Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. Fire Safety Guidance for Existing High Rise domestic Buildings Scottish Government Guidance on Sprinkler Systems for all newbuild home building warrants submitted on or after 1 June 2022 Internal Audit Statement of Compliance. CAH Policy Board Report 19 May 2026 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2025/26, 2026 Engagement Plan
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7 PUBLIC AN3 Have assurance and evidence that the Council is meeting all its legal obligations associated with housing and homelessness services, equality and human rights, and tenant and resident safety How We Comply Evidence • Housing Landlord Compliance Strategy 2025–2028 in place • Gas & Electrical Safety • There have been zero gas safety fails since April 2026 • Electrical safety compliance progressing; We are currently 99% compliant regarding the number of properties without a valid EICR certificate and the number of properties Damp & Mould Monitoring • Stock condition survey underway will gather information on mould issues • We have introduced sensor installation in properties with damp and mould to enable properties to be monitored before and after remediation has been carried out. Sensors are also used to highlight potential issues before they are reported. • Policies and procedures in place for remediation • External Review • Positive feedback from Social Housing Safety Network Scotland (Jan 2025) • Reviewed key safety policies and strategy • Senior staff met with the SHR to discuss handling asbestos management cases. We provide updates to the Scottish Housing Regulator on the progress of the Asbestos Action Plan • An Asbestos Awareness session was held for members on 10th February 2026. • ARC Reporting (2025/26) advised on: • Gas & electrical compliance failures • Fire detection equipment coverage • Damp & mould resolution times and reopen rates Housing Adaptations within Council Stock Policy CAH Board Report 28 October 2025, Environment, Housing and Infrastructure (EHI) Health, Safety and Wellbeing Plan 2025 – 2028: Mid-year (6 month) Update CAH Board Report 19 May 2026, Environment, Housing and Infrastructure (E, H & I) Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Health, Safety and Wellbeing Plan 2026–2029) Housing Asset Management Strategy 2025-2030. CAH Board report: Housing Landlord Compliance 2025, 11 March2025 CAH Board Report Housing Landlord Compliance – Bi-annual Performance Report, 19 May 2026 Housing Landlord Compliance Policy – Gas Safety Housing Landlord Compliance Policy – Electrical Safety Housing Landlord Compliance Policy – Asbestos Management Policy Housing Landlord Compliance Policy – Fire Safety Housing Landlord Compliance Policy – Water Safety Housing Landlord Compliance Policy – lift Safety Service Update Reports (each cycle) Members training on compliance, presentation to Members (February 2025) Asbestos Awareness session for members 10th February 2026 (Presentation)
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8 PUBLIC AN4 Notify the SHR of any tenant and resident safety matters which have been reported to or are being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive, or reports from regulatory or statutory authorities, or insurance providers, relating to safety concerns How We Comply Evidence During 2025/26, an incident by an external contractor, involving the disturbance of asbestos cement materials occurred during reroofing works at 41-43 Abbotsford Crescent, Paisley, resulting in a request for information from the Health and Safety Executive. The area was immediately secured, a licensed asbestos contractor was appointed to clean the site and dispose of affected materials, and the site was made safe the same day. The incident remains under investigation. On 14 June 2026 an external contractor was fitting a smart meter, the combustion chamber combusted, the engineer capped the gas meter. To date the contractor has not yet submitted a RIDDOR report to the HSE. The Council’s corporate health and safety team are engaging with both the contractor and Scottish Power regarding this incident to ensure the correct reporting process is followed. If the contractor fails in their responsibility to report the incident to HSE within the agreed timescale, then the Council will be required to notify the HSE. RIDDOR Report (F144)
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9 PUBLIC AN5 Make the Council’s Engagement Plan easily available and accessible to tenants and service users, including online How We Comply Evidence The Council’s current Engagement Plan is publicised on the Council’s website and any subsequent plans will be made available online for tenants and service users. The Engagement plan is also promoted to tenants in the Annual Review for Tenants. Council website which includes link to Regulator website Annual Review for Tenants SHR Engagement Plan from 31 March 2026 – 31 March 2027 CAH Policy Board Report 18 August 2026 – Regulation of Social Housing Assurance Statement Annual Review for Tenants
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10 PUBLIC 2. Scottish Social Housing Charter Performance CH1 Submit an Annual Return on the Charter (ARC) to the SHR each year in accordance with published guidance. How We Comply Evidence The Annual Return on the Charter (ARC) was submitted to the Scottish Housing Regulator in May 2025. A robust internal data checking framework is in place, with sample data independently verified by the Scottish Housing Network. Each year Internal Audit select a number of indicators to ensure that the correct processes are being followed and the returns are accurate. Charter performance is reported bi-annually to the Communities and Housing Policy Board. As members of Scotland’s Housing Network we benchmark performance against other social landlords. Each year the SHN provides and presentation to senior managers highlighting comparable performance against other local authorities. CAH Policy Board Report 19 May 2026 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2025/26, 2026 Engagement Plan Internal Audit report SHN Performance Analysis Visit Presentation (2026 Visit scheduled for 8 September 2026) CHA Policy Board 28 October 2025, Social Housing Charter Performance: 2025/26 Six Month Update
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11 PUBLIC CH2 Involve tenants, and where relevant other service users, in the preparation and scrutiny of performance information. This must include: • Agreeing the approach with tenants • Ensuring that it is effective and meaningful – that the chosen approach gives tenants a real and demonstrable say in the assessment of performance • Publicising the approach to tenants • Ensuring that it can be verified and be able to show that the agreed approach to involving tenants has happened Involve other service users in an appropriate way, having asked and had regard to their needs and wishes. How We Comply Evidence Tenant Participation & Performance Engagement • Performance Communication Tenants are consulted on how performance data is presented and benchmarked. This is shared in the Charter supplement of the Annual Review for Tenants and on the Council’s website. • Annual Charter Return Officers and tenant reps reviewed the Council’s performance and ARC submission in an online session. The 2024/25 Tenant Report and ARC presentation were discussed at the Joint Tenants Meeting on 3 July 2025. • Tenant Participation Strategy Adopted in October 2022, with annual progress updates to the Communities and Housing Policy Board. • Ongoing Engagement Tenant groups are consulted regularly, through face-to-face meetings and on line meetings. • Tenant Satisfaction In 2026, 99% of tenants were satisfied with opportunities to participate in decision-making. Presentation and Minutes of Joint Tenant Representative Group Meetings. (25 June 2026) Tenant Participation Strategy – Update – CAH Policy Board 10 March 2026 Tenant Scrutiny Panel activity Quality Circle Inspections 2025 - 2028 Rent Consultation and Council Board report on rent increase on 27 February 2025. Environment, Housing & Infrastructure - Service Improvement Plan 2026-2029 Council Wide Forum Tenant & Resident Association Meetings Regeneration & Renewal Area Pop-Up Events Attendance Log Housing-led Regeneration & Renewal Programme – Consultation Update – CHAPS Policy Board 15 March 2022
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12 PUBLIC CH2 Involve tenants, and where relevant other service users, in the preparation and scrutiny of performance information. This must include: • Agreeing the approach with tenants • Ensuring that it is effective and meaningful – that the chosen approach gives tenants a real and demonstrable say in the assessment of performance • Publicising the approach to tenants • Ensuring that it can be verified and be able to show that the agreed approach to involving tenants has happened Involve other service users in an appropriate way, having asked and had regard to their needs and wishes. How We Comply Evidence • Participation Opportunities Tenants engage through surveys, forums, associations, scrutiny panels, and Quality Circles. A new Quality Circle for Estate Management was introduced this year. • Neighbourhood Renewal Groups established in 2 of 8 regeneration areas, enabling local input on area improvements. Link to Council website for eight Regeneration & Renewal areas Housing-led Regeneration & Renewal Programme – Consultation – CHAPS Policy Board 18 January 2022 Tenant Satisfaction Survey 2026 Housing Regeneration Newsletters Housing-led Regeneration & Renewal Programme – year 4 Update– CAH Policy Board 19 August 2025 Quality Circle Meetings (Reports) CH3 Report performance in achieving or progressing towards the Charter outcomes and standards to its tenants and other service users (no later than October each year). The format of performance reporting must be agreed with tenants, ensuring that it is accessible for tenants and other service users, with plain and jargon-free language. How We Comply Evidence Each year tenant representatives are consulted on how performance information should be presented; what indicators should be highlighted and how performance is benchmarked. Presentation and Minutes of Joint Tenant Representative Group Meetings. (25 June 2026) Annual Review for Tenants
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13 PUBLIC CH3 Report performance in achieving or progressing towards the Charter outcomes and standards to its tenants and other service users (no later than October each year). The format of performance reporting must be agreed with tenants, ensuring that it is accessible for tenants and other service users, with plain and jargon-free language. How We Comply Evidence The annual Report to Tenants is delivered to all Council tenants as a supplement to the Annual Review for Tenants each year. The Councils performance against charter indicators is also publicised on the Council Website – Annual Return on the Charter Tenant Supplement. Council website. CH4 When reporting performance to tenants and other service users, this must: • Include providing them with an assessment of performance in delivering each of the Charter outcomes and standards which are relevant to the Council • Include relevant comparisons – these should include comparisons with previous years, with other landlords and with national performance. • Set out how and when the Council intends to address areas for improvement • Give tenants and other service users a way to feed back their views on the style and form of the reporting. How We Comply Evidence Using Tenant Feedback to Improve Services • Annual Report to Tenants is shaped by tenant feedback and includes: • Performance comparisons with previous years • Benchmarking against Scottish averages • Highlights of successes and areas for improvement • Charter Information shared with tenant groups includes: • Year-on-year performance data • Comparisons with other social landlords • Policy Board Reporting includes: • Identified improvement areas such as re-let times, adaptations, void management, and gas safety CAH Policy Board Report 19 May 2026 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2025/26, 2026 Engagement Plan Tenant Satisfaction Survey 2026 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure - Service Improvement Plan 2026-2029 Annual Review for Tenants - Annual Return on the Charter Tenant Supplement
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14 PUBLIC CH4 When reporting performance to tenants and other service users, this must: • Include providing them with an assessment of performance in delivering each of the Charter outcomes and standards which are relevant to the Council • Include relevant comparisons – these should include comparisons with previous years, with other landlords and with national performance. • Set out how and when the Council intends to address areas for improvement • Give tenants and other service users a way to feed back their views on the style and form of the reporting. How We Comply Evidence • Annual Review for Tenants invites tenant feedback on newsletter format and content Presentation and Minutes of Joint Tenant Representative Group Meetings (25 June 2026) Council website CH5 Make the report on performance easily available to tenants, including online. How We Comply Evidence The annual Report to Tenants is delivered to all Council tenants as a supplement to the Annual Review for Tenants each year. The Councils performance against charter indicators is published on the Council Website. Annual Review for Tenants – Annual Return on the Charter Tenant Supplement Council website
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15 PUBLIC 3. Tenants and Service Users Redress TS1 Make information on reporting significant performance failures, including the SHR’s leaflet, available to tenants. How We Comply Evidence Information for tenants on reporting significant performance failures, including the SHR’s leaflet, is available from the Council website. A link to the SHR’s website is also publicised on the Councils website. Council website includes a link to the Scottish Housing Regulator’s website. SHR Significant Failures Leaflet TS2 Provide tenants and other service users with the information they need to exercise their right to complain and seek redress and respond to tenants within the timescales outlined in the Council’s service standards, in accordance with guidance from the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO). How We Comply Evidence Information on how to complain is publicised widely, including online and in tenant newsletters. The Council adheres to the SPSO guidance in relation to complaint timescales. The Council monitors complaints handling, and this is reported to the Scottish Housing Regulator through the Annual Return on the Charter. Complaints performance information is covered in the Annual Report to Tenants. Complaints Handling Procedures: • Customer Guide • Complaints Form Annual Review for Tenants Council website CAH Policy Board Report 19 May 2026 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2025/26, 2026 Engagement Plan
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16 PUBLIC TS3 Ensure the Council has effective arrangements to learn from complaints and from other tenant and service user feedback, in accordance with SPSO guidance. How We Comply Evidence • Complaints Process • Information on how to complain is widely publicised (online and in newsletters). • The Council follows SPSO guidance on complaint timescales. • Complaints are analysed for recurring themes, with officer meetings held for insight. Corporate Complaints Handling Procedures Complaints by Service Area Spreadsheet Annual Review for Tenants SMT meetings SPSO – Link on Council website Environment, Housing and Infrastructure - 2026-2029 Service Improvement Plan TS4 Provide tenants, residents and service users with easy and effective ways to provide feedback and raise concerns, and ensure that it considers such information and provides a quick and effective response. How We Comply Evidence Tenant Feedback & Participation • Surveys Conducted: • Point-of-service and repairs satisfaction surveys • Annual survey for property owners • Tenant satisfaction survey (every two years) • Tenant Involvement: • Tenant Scrutiny Panel: Reviews and suggests service improvements • Tenant Quality Circles: Inspect and receive reports on estate management and other services Tenant Satisfaction Survey 2026 Repairs satisfaction survey Owners Survey Tenant Participation Strategy TSP minutes Quality Circle reports Sheltered Housing Newsletters & Sheltered Housing Good News Housing Support Newsletters
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17 PUBLIC TS4 Provide tenants, residents and service users with easy and effective ways to provide feedback and raise concerns, and ensure that it considers such information and provides a quick and effective response. How We Comply Evidence • A “Good News” section is included in the Sheltered Housing and Housing Support newsletters. 4. Whistleblowing WB1 Have effective arrangements and a policy for whistleblowing by staff and elected members which the Council makes easily available and which it promotes. How We Comply Evidence The Council’s Staff Code of Conduct includes information on Whistleblowing. This is available for staff and elected members on the Councils intranet site. Following the local government elections in 2022 all councillors in the new administration were provided with a briefing pack which contains key aspects of services. Elected members must comply with the Councillors’ Code of Conduct which is available on the Standards Commission website. Staff Code of Conduct Councillors’ Code of Conduct Convenor Pack New Councillor Introduction to Wards 1- 12. New Councillor Presentation 2022
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18 PUBLIC 5. Equalities and Human Rights EH1 Have assurance and evidence that the Council considers equality and human rights issues properly when making all of its decisions, in the design and review of internal and external policies, and in its day-to-day How We Comply Evidence Equality, Accessibility & Inclusive Housing – Summary • Equality & Human Rights • All Board reports are reviewed for equality and human rights implications. • Equality Impact Assessments are conducted for all policy changes. • The Service Improvement Plan includes an annual equalities statement. • Tenant Satisfaction & Engagement • High satisfaction with service access and participation opportunities (2024 survey). • Strategic Housing Investment Plan includes annual consultation with individuals and groups. • Inclusive Housing Design • Newbuild Specification ensures compliance with Housing for Varying Needs standards. • Includes wheelchair-accessible and future-proof homes. • Our regeneration programme supports social transformation in SIMD areas. • Flexible & Accessible Services • Hybrid working model supports service delivery in offices and remotely. • All customers seeking housing are offered tailored housing options discussions either in person or on MS TEAMS. Council Guide for Assessing Equality and Human Rights Impacts Collecting Equality Information: National guidance for Scottish social landlords, June 2022 Progress Report on Equality Mainstreaming Equality 2023 Housing Information & Advice for People with Disabilities Digital Support for Council Tenants – Digital Participation Overview 2022-2023 Link to Language Line translation service & Alternative formats are available on request. Wheelchair accessible customer service centre with Loop hearing systems in place. Renfrewshire Common Housing Allocation Policy Housing Options, mobility, Sheltered and HSPC housing application process. Housing Options On Line application, https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/14207/Apply-for- council-housing
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19 PUBLIC EH1 Have assurance and evidence that the Council considers equality and human rights issues properly when making all of its decisions, in the design and review of internal and external policies, and in its day-to-day How We Comply Evidence • Specialist Support • A Housing & Disabilities Advisor supports complex cases (e.g., hospital discharge, housebound individuals). • Care Experienced Support • The Service is committed to Keeping The Promise and supporting care-experienced individuals. • Close collaboration with Social Work with our Throughcare policy for care leavers. • High housing priority for young people leaving care; ongoing review of practices to meet their needs. • Strategic Reporting • Rapid Rehousing Transition Plan Review 2022 submitted to the Scottish Government. Tenant Information Booklet & Tenancy Agreement Polish Translation Annual Re-registration process for housing applicants Renfrewshire Homeless Partnership multi-agency approach Housing Providers Forum Renfrewshire Common Housing Allocation Policy Equalities Impact Assessment. Housing-led Regeneration and Renewal Programme for Renfrewshire - Equalities Impact Assessment Tenants Satisfaction Survey 2026. Draft Renfrewshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026 to 2031 Consultative draft Renfrewshire Council Newbuild Specification Environment, Housing & Infrastructure - Service Improvement Plan 2026-2029 Homeless Prevention Officers to link in with Throughcare Throughcare Partnership Agreement between Housing Services and Social Work
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20 PUBLIC EH2 To comply with these duties, landlords must collect data relating to each of the protected characteristics for their existing tenants, new tenants, people on waiting lists, governing body members and staff. Local authorities must also collect data on protected characteristics for people who apply to them as homeless. Landlords who provide Gypsy/ Traveller sites must also collect data on protected characteristics for these service users. How We Comply Evidence Equality Monitoring & Strategic Alignment • Protected Characteristics • Information is collected from housing applicants, tenants, and waiting list applicants (where provided), and anonymised in the Tenant Satisfaction Survey. • Strategic Planning • The Service Improvement Plan (SIP) aligns with the 5 strategic outcomes of the Council Plan 2023–2028, with actions grouped accordingly. • Gypsy/Traveller Communities • While there are currently no sites in Renfrewshire, the Council uses Scottish Government resources and research to understand and respond to the evolving needs of Gypsy/Traveller communities, particularly around accommodation and services. • The Local Housing Strategy reflects the publication of the Scottish Government’s June 2023 Action Plan and the emerging associated Accommodation Needs Toolkit which Renfrewshire Council will use to consider options to best meet the housing needs of the Gypsy Traveller community and to meet the Council’s duties under the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. • The Strategic Housing Investment Plan identifies land and working with other local authorities to address requirements of Gypsy/Travellers CAH Policy Board Report 19 May 2026 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2025/26, 2026 Engagement Plan Environment, Housing & Infrastructure - Service Improvement Plan 2026-2029 Final ARC Submission 2025/26 – May 2026 Local Housing Strategy 2023-2028 – Year Two (2024/25) Progress Update CAH Policy Board, 28 October 2025 Renfrewshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026 to 2031
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21 PUBLIC Environment, Housing & Infrastructure Renfrewshire Council Renfrewshire House Cotton Street Paisley PA1 1BR
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PUBLIC APPENDIX 2 Renfrewshire Council Assurance Statement 2026 Renfrewshire Council complies with the regulatory requirements set out in Chapter 3 of the Regulatory Framework. We achieve the standards and outcomes in the Scottish Social Housing Charter for tenants, people who are homeless and others who use our services. Equalities and Human Rights In relation to equalities data collection and human rights, the Council has established policies and procedures in these areas which are embedded in service delivery. We review and adjust our approach in the collection of equalities and human rights information along with any other changes in accordance with statutory requirements or regulatory guidance. Homelessness The Council uses a range of measures to minimise homelessness and provide support to vulnerable people. At mid-July, of the 322 households in temporary accommodation 20 are in breach the unsuitable accommodation order. Since our last reported figure of 8 failures in April 2026 there have been zero failures to offer accommodation since April to mid-July. Tenant and Resident Safety The Service continues to take steps to review and consolidate its responsibilities in relation to tenant and resident safety. The Housing Landlord Compliance team is embedded within the service; a Landlord Compliance Strategy was developed and policies for all compliance matters are in place. The Board received an update on performance in the Biannual Housing Landlord Compliance report in May 2026. The Scottish Housing Regulator now collects data on indicators on fire and electrical safety and damp and mould as part of the Annual Return on the Charter (ARC), our performance is reported to Board in May 2026 and to tenants by the end of October 2026. • Gas safety Since April 2026 there have been no instances where a gas certificate was not renewed by its anniversary date. • Electrical safety We are currently 99% compliant regarding the number of properties without a valid EICR certificate and the number of properties
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PUBLIC • Water safety There have been no incidents where water safety has been compromised. • Fire safety Fire risk assessments continue to be reviewed annually for High Rise and Sheltered housing complexes with a 6 monthly review taking place. There is an ongoing 3 yearly programme for communal areas of domestic properties. • Asbestos An asbestos action plan is in place with review from external agency to best progress additional workload • Damp and Mould As at the end of June 2026: o There were 107 resolved cases, with an average resolution time of 40.3 days. o Reopened cases: This will be reported at the year end. o There are 72 ongoing cases currently under investigation. • Lift safety There have been no incidents of lift safety issues. (Waiting for relevant narrative if any Asset Management Renfrewshire Council has robust procedures in place ensure that our Housing Asset Management data is comprehensive, up-to-date, and continuously reviewed. Our work is guided by our current Asset Management Strategy (2025-30), and its associated Action Plan. The strategy is guided by our core asset objectives, two of which relate to data and its use. • Core Asset Objective 2 - Ensure future decisions are based on robust data with reviews or option appraisals of cause for concern stock. • Core Asset Objective 3 – Develop our digital infrastructure to provide accurate asset management and performance information The Action Plan sets out actions required to meet the goals of the strategy; these actions are shown aligning with our Local Housing Strategy and the priorities within the SHRs asset management recommended practice from 2023. Our data is stored on a Housing Asset Management Software System (Apex). Apex contains all our homes with data on type, form, construction and identified by archetypes. Each home and block on the system contain attributes and characteristic data on individual components/elements, with their install date, required replacement date and associated costs. We use Apex to calculate our SHQS compliance, with energy information also stored in Apex.
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PUBLIC A stock condition survey is currently being carried out by external surveyors over a five-year period from 2024. It is our intention to have a continuous rolling condition survey of 20% of stock per annum, in order to ensure our data quality is maintained. The information gathered, alongside other sources, provides the starting point for the development of programmes of external and internal investment which have been developed for the period 2026 – 2030. We have a good understanding of our non- traditional construction stock, and these are of particular interest within our future externals programme, in order to meet net zero requirements. In 2020/21 we undertook specialist surveys of our 14 multi-storey blocks. These surveys provided detailed information of the block’s construction, external wall makeup, roof makeup, and structural condition. Along with the stock condition survey, the specialist surveys have provided the basis for our proposed multi storey investment programme 2026-2033. Single Building Assessments of these blocks are also underway, which will identify any fire safety issues. For the identification of any RAAC in our housing stock, we carried out a desktop assessment to identify archetypes of the correct age and style, most likely to contain RAAC. From those identified a sample was chosen for our internal building surveyors to check on-site, no RAAC was identified. The assessment and on-site checks were later verified by an external structural engineer. We continue to be vigilant for any signs of RAAC during repairs and programmes of work. The Apex system will be replaced in 2027, with the implementation of the new Housing Management System (NEC) which includes asset management as one of its core functions. This will include all HRA owned assets, including homes, commercial properties, lock-ups and launderettes. The introduction of the new software will allow all data in relation to housing services, including repairs and asset management, to be held on the one system. The new system will also allow us to display our asset management data within an integrated geographic information system and incorporate data from our environmental sensors. It also includes new features such as an integrated Asset Performance Review module, providing strategic assessments of our stock in keeping with the SHRs integrated asset management guidance. Service Performance With regards to service performance there are areas that the Board have been advised that the Charter data for 2025/26 displayed improved or stable performance in most indicators. Of the 26 indicators where performance can be compared with last year, the majority – seventeen - have improved, seven remain unchanged and two have dipped slightly in performance There have been significant levels of improvement particularly notable in relation to void property management, rent arrears performance, emergency repairs and adaptations.
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PUBLIC Tenant satisfaction levels have increased considerably with the most recent Satisfaction Survey highlighting improvements across all core ARC indicators. The 2026 survey results demonstrate improvement from the previous surveys and also exceed the Scottish Local Authority averages. The survey demonstrates a robust recovery in tenant satisfaction following the reduction experienced in 2024. All six Scottish Social Housing Charter indicators recorded improvements and now exceed the Scottish Local Authority average. The background papers that support our Assurance Statement for 2026 advised that there were two reportable Health and Safety incidents. Both of these incidents were the responsibility of external contractors. The Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board regularly receives reports which provide information and evidence to support assurance. The Annual Assurance Statement 2026 was considered and approved by the Communities, Housing and Planning Policy Board on 18 August 2026. Signed _____________________________________________ Councillor Marie McGurk Convener of the Communities and Housing Policy Board Date: ____________________