8. Regulation of Social Housing - Assurance Statement 2025 - Report
Renfrewshire Council · 19 August 2025
Back to Communities and Housing Policy Board — 19 August 2025 and its agenda
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___________________________________________________________________ To: Communities and Housing Policy Board On: 19 August 2025 __________________________________________________________________ Report by: Director of Environment, Housing and Infrastructure ___________________________________________________________________ Heading: Regulation of Social Housing: Assurance Statement 2025 ___________________________________________________________________ 1. Summary 1.1 The Council is required to submit an Annual Assurance Statement to the Scottish Housing Regulator by 31 October 2025 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. The proposed Annual Assurance Statement 2025 for Renfrewshire Council is attached at Appendix 2 for approval by the Policy Board. ___________________________________________________________________ 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that the Policy Board: (i) notes the Regulatory Requirements and evidence of Renfrewshire Council’s compliance as set out in Appendix 1; and (ii) approves Renfrewshire Council’s Annual Assurance Statement 2025 for submission to the Scottish Housing Regulator as attached in Appendix 2. ___________________________________________________________________ 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.
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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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Table 1. Annual Cycle of Reports Subject Month Housing Revenue Account Budget and Rent Levels (report to Council) February/March Private Sector Grant Investment Programme February/March 3-year Service Improvement Plan March Annual Return on the Charter (and management information on allocations, repairs, homelessness and rent collection) May Housing Bi-annual compliance report May and October Housing Asset and Investment Programme Update May Housing Led Regeneration and Renewal Programme for Renfrewshire August Service Improvement Plan Mid-Year Monitoring October Charter Half Year Update (and management information on allocations, repairs, homelessness and rent collection) October Tenant Participation Strategy Progress Report January Homelessness and Housing Support Report Every second cycle Budget reports (including Housing Revenue Account) Each cycle 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 2024/25 displayed improved or stable performance in most indicators, with seventeen indicators improving from last year and eight indicators remaining stable. There have been significant levels of improvement particularly notable in relation to void property management, rent arrears performance, emergency repairs and adaptations. 3.6 The ARC Board report in May highlighted also four indicators where performance declined, reflecting the challenges faced by the Council in continuing to provide core housing services, notably in relation to complaints handling.
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Engagement with Scottish Housing Regulator 3.7 Our engagement plan for April 2025 to March 2026 was reported to Board in May this year. This year the Engagement plan has asked the Council to: Homelessness Services Send information required in relation to its homelessness service; tell the Regulator about any emerging issues preventing it from fulfilling its statutory duty to provide temporary accommodation when it should and comply with the Unsuitable Accommodation Order. Tenant Safety Complete the outstanding electrical and fire safety work as quickly as possible. The Regulator had required that by 30 April 2025 we submit a plan outlining how we would complete the outstanding electrical and fire safety work, including timescales, and how we would maintain future compliance – this has been done. Monthly updates on progress on achieving compliance with electrical safety and fire detection requirements should be sent to the Regulator. Following receipt of information raising concerns about Renfrewshire’s approach to handling asbestos management cases, it is engaging with us to seek further information and assurance about our asbestos management processes and planned improvements. By 30 September 2025 we will provide the Regulator with an update on the actions we are taking in relation to asbestos management. The Council as been engaging with the regulator around asbestos management, following concerns raised by elected members direct to the regulator around our asbestos management arrangements. The regulator is assured by our arrangements and Council set out the works it is undertaking to enhance asbestos management arrangements across the housing stock and communal areas, with details on the arrangements and progress being sent to the regulator by 30th September. Tenant & Resident Safety, Landlord Compliance 3.8 The Scottish Housing Regulator has asked that, this year, landlords confirm whether they meet all duties in relation to tenant and resident safety, and that appropriate assurance about compliance has been obtained. Gas safety Electrical safety Water safety Fire safety Asbestos Damp and Mould
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Lift safety The Service has taken steps to review and consolidate its responsibilities in relation to tenant and resident safety. A Housing Landlord Compliance team was established in 2023, a comprehensive Landlord Compliance Strategy was developed and this year compliance policies have been revised and approved by the Policy Board for Gas safety, Electrical safety, Fire safety and Lift safety. The Water Safety policy is presented to this meeting of the Policy Board and the Asbestos Management policy will be brought to Board in 2025. The Board received a report in October 2024 on Dampness, Mould and Condensation. This report outlined the processes in place to deal with reports of dampness and mould and detailed the actions which were taken to review these, as well as setting out further actions to be undertaken. A landlord policy covering this area is currently being developed and will be brought to Board this year. 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. In February this year members of the Communities and Housing Policy Board received training from an independent Health and Safety specialist on landlord compliance and Tenant and Resident Safety. The presentation slides from the training session were also shared for those members who were unable to attend. The training covered a range of topics, including: General introduction to health and safety, the law and responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974, including regulations relevant to the sector Tenant & resident safety – responsibilities held by social landlords to ensure the safety of tenants – a focus on the ‘Big 6’ The importance of managing contractors Good governance & assurance The requirements of the Assurance Statement Equalities and Human Rights 3.9 On Equalities and Human Rights, we can provide assurance that we comply with all of the 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. 3.10 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.
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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. 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 29 October 2024 – Regulation of Social Housing: Assurance Statement 2024. Report to Communities and Housing Policy Board on 13 May 2025 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2024/25, 2025 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
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meeting. The contact officer within the service is Ray Walkinshaw, Housing Regeneration and Development Manager, telephone 0141-487 2189 or 07483 146814 and e-mail ray.walkinshaw@renfrewshire.gov.uk. ___________________________________________________________________ Author: Ray Walkinshaw ray.walkinshaw@renfrewshire.gov.uk ___________________________________________________________________ Attachment(s): Appendix 1: Regulation of Social Housing Assurance Statement Appendix 2: Renfrewshire Council Assurance Statement 2025
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45 ANNUAL ASSURANCE STATEMENT 2025 Appendix 1
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1 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 idenƟfied 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 submiƩed to the SHR thereaŌer, with the SHR providing feedback as appropriate. The 2025 Annual Assurance Statement was discussed with the Tenant representaƟves at the joint tenant meeƟng held on 3 July 2025. A briefing session and presentaƟon on the Annual Assurance Statement 2025 was provided to members of the Policy Board. Following Board approval, the Annual Assurance Statement 2025 will be available to tenants and other service users with a link to the Council’s website. CAH Policy Board Report 19 August 2025 - RegulaƟon of Social Housing Assurance Statement Updated Guidance on Regulatory Framework from SHR Published February 2024 Scoƫsh Housing Regulator Engagement Plan 2025-2026 CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2024/25, 2025 Engagement Plan Note of meeƟng with tenant representaƟves (3 July 2025) Annual Assurance Statement PresentaƟon to members of the Policy Board 19 August 2025
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2 AN2 NoƟfy 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 Councils Assurance Statement for 2024. If there are any material changes for the Assurance Statement 2025, we will advise the SHR and the CommuniƟes and Housing Board. To accommodate this during the year we provide a number of reports: Annual report to the Charter was presented to the CommuniƟes and Housing Board in May 2025 noƟng performance in gas safety cerƟficaƟon and electrical and smoke detector performance and subsequently submiƩed to SHR at the end May 2025 Housing Bi-annual Compliance Report Service Update reports, each cycle SHR Engagement Plan 24/25 asks for monthly return on EICR and Smoke detector compliance, as such we have kept the SHR updated monthly on our compliance with Electrical tesƟng and Fire safety. CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2024/25, 2025 Engagement Plan CAH Policy Board Report 19 August 2025 - RegulaƟon of Social Housing Assurance Statement CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Housing Bi-annual compliance report Service Update Reports to CommuniƟes and Housing Policy Board Monthly Returns to SHR for 2024/25 Engagement Plan
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3 AN3 Have assurance and evidence that the Council is meeƟng all its legal obligaƟons 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 conƟnue to engage with customers to review the strategic prioriƟes 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 ParƟcipaƟon Strategy, tenants are consulted on all major policy decisions, including the annual rent increase. Performance across housing services is regularly monitored and benchmarked, both over Ɵme and against other social landlords. This helps idenƟfy areas for improvement, which are then addressed as part of our commitment to conƟnuous service enhancement. Council and Housing Strategies, Plans, Policies and Procedures. Service Update Reports to the CommuniƟes and Housing Policy Board. Each cycle since January 2024. CAH Policy Board Report 31 October 2023 - Local Housing Strategy– Update CAH Policy Board Report 29 October 2024 - Annual progress update for the LHS (2024) CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Environment, Housing & Infrastructure Service Improvement Plan 2025-2028 CAH Policy Board Report 11 March 2025 - Tenant ParƟcipaƟon Strategy Update CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2024/25, 2025 Engagement Plan Annual Rent ConsultaƟon 2025-2028 LeƩer to all tenants Annual Rent ConsultaƟon 2025-2028 Rent ConsultaƟon MeeƟng Homelessness and Access to Housing The Council uses a range of measures to minimise homelessness and provide support to vulnerable people: Housing First Scotland Annual Check Up Renfrewshire Common Housing AllocaƟon Policy
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4 AN3 Have assurance and evidence that the Council is meeƟng all its legal obligaƟons associated with housing and homelessness services, equality and human rights, and tenant and resident safety How We Comply Evidence Temporary AccommodaƟon: The number of temporary accommodaƟon units has increased to 279, including Council, RSL, and Supported AccommodaƟon. B&B use is a last resort, with 261 placements since November 2022. Housing First: The Council conƟnues to support vulnerable individuals through the Housing First approach, using the Housing Support and RRTP budget effecƟvely. Service Planning: A Service Development Plan outlines strengths, challenges, and key acƟons to improve homelessness services and meet statutory duƟes. Housing OpƟons Toolkit: Promotes person-centred service delivery, staff consistency, and awareness of support resources. AllocaƟons: The Common Housing AllocaƟon Policy ensures fair access to housing, with targets and outcomes reviewed annually by the Policy Board. Tenant Support Fund (TSF): Provides financial relief to tenants in hardship, helping to prevent rent arrears and sustain tenancies. Unsuitable AccommodaƟon: There were 99 breaches of the Unsuitable AccommodaƟon Order between April 2024 and March 2025. CAH Policy Board Report 11 March 2025 - Renfrewshire Common Housing AllocaƟon Policy – Council AllocaƟon Targets for 2025/2026 CAH Policy Board Report 11 March 2025 - Common AllocaƟon Policy Review Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support joint commissioning of a Housing OpƟons Training Toolkit Housing OpƟons Advice – Housing OpƟons Form CAH Policy Board Report 29 October 2024 - Homelessness in Renfrewshire and Review of Rapid Rehousing TransiƟon Plan CAH Policy Board Report 19 May 2025 - Homelessness and Housing Support Homeless Services Development Plan CAH Policy Board Report 19 May 2025 - Environment, Housing & Infrastructure Service Improvement Plan 2025-2028 Service Update Reports (Each Cycle) Tenant Support Fund Policy
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5 AN3 Have assurance and evidence that the Council is meeƟng all its legal obligaƟons associated with housing and homelessness services, equality and human rights, and tenant and resident safety How We Comply Evidence EqualiƟes & Human Rights We conƟnue to collect and analyse data on new and exisƟng tenants to provide a beƩer understanding of the needs and requirements for all equality groups. CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Environment, Housing & Infrastructure - Service Improvement Plan 2025-2028 Housing OpƟons ApplicaƟon 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, LiŌs, Damp & Mould Bi-annual performance reporƟng to CAH Policy Board Governance & Oversight CAH Policy Board Members were provided with training on landlord compliance in February 2025 Regular reports to CAH Policy Board on safety and compliance Housing Landlord Compliance Strategy 2025–2028 in place Gas & Electrical Safety There were five gas safety fails since April 2025 Electrical safety compliance progressing; there are 45 properƟes with overdue Electrical InstallaƟon CondiƟons Report (EICR). 23 of these have environmental issues which require input from the housing neighbourhood offices who were tasked with invesƟgaƟng and providing feedback to the compliance team to enable new appointments to be Corporate Health and Safety Policies and Procedures. Fire Safety Guidance for ExisƟng High Rise domesƟc Buildings Scoƫsh Government Guidance on Sprinkler Systems for all newbuild home building warrants submiƩed on or aŌer 1 June 2022 Internal Audit Statement of Compliance. Compliance CerƟficates – e.g. Gas Safety, EICRs Housing AdaptaƟons within Council Stock Policy CAH Policy Board Report 29 October 2024, Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Annual Health and Safety Plan (2024/25) – Mid-year (6 month) Update CAH Policy Board Report 11 March 2025 - Housing Landlord Compliance 2025 CAH Policy Board Report Housing Landlord Compliance 13 May 2025 - Bi-annual Performance Report Housing Landlord Compliance Strategy, March 2025 Housing Landlord Compliance Policy – Gas Safety (CAH Policy Board 11 March 2025)
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6 AN3 Have assurance and evidence that the Council is meeƟng all its legal obligaƟons associated with housing and homelessness services, equality and human rights, and tenant and resident safety How We Comply Evidence scheduled. The remaining 22 are either already appointed, have been completed but paperwork not submiƩed or are sƟll to be scheduled. The target is to have all 45 completed by mid October. Over the past year monthly compliance updates were provided to SHR AddiƟonal contractors and forced access process in place Damp & Mould Monitoring Stock condiƟon survey underway will gather informaƟon on mould issues We have introduced sensor installaƟon in properƟes with damp and mould to enable properƟes to be monitored before and aŌer remediaƟon has been carried out. Sensors are also used to highlight potenƟal issues before they are reported. Policies and procedures in place for remediaƟon External Review PosiƟve 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. It is engaging with us to seek further informaƟon and assurance about our asbestos management processes and planned improvements and by 30 September 2025 we will provide the Regulator with an update on the acƟons we are taking in relaƟon to asbestos management. Housing Landlord Compliance Policy – Electrical Safety (CAH Policy Board 11 March 2025) Housing Landlord Compliance Policy - Fire Safety (CAH Policy Board 13 May 2025) Housing Landlord Compliance Policy - LiŌ Safety (CAH Policy Board 13 May 2025) Housing Landlord Compliance Policy - Water Safety (Presented to CAH Policy Board 19 August 2025) Housing Landlord Compliance Policy - Asbestos Safety (currently being reviewed for presentaƟon to CAH Policy Board later in 2025) CAH Policy Board Report 17 January 2023 - Tackling Dampness, Mould & CondensaƟon CAH Policy Board Report 22 August 2023 - Tackling Dampness, Mould & CondensaƟon – Changes Implemented Monthly reports to SHR on Electrical tesƟng and fire safety Service Update Reports (each cycle) Elected Members training on landlord compliance, presentaƟon to CAH Policy Board Members (11 February 2025)
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7 AN3 Have assurance and evidence that the Council is meeƟng all its legal obligaƟons associated with housing and homelessness services, equality and human rights, and tenant and resident safety How We Comply Evidence ARC ReporƟng (2025/26) will advise on: Gas & electrical compliance failures Fire detecƟon equipment coverage Damp & mould resoluƟon Ɵmes and reopen rates AN4 NoƟfy the SHR of any tenant and resident safety maƩers which have been reported to or are being invesƟgated by the Health and Safety ExecuƟve, or reports from regulatory or statutory authoriƟes, or insurance providers, relaƟng to safety concerns How We Comply Evidence During the past year there was one occasion where the Council received a request for informaƟon from the Health and Safety ExecuƟve (HSE). The request for informaƟon related to an incident on 2nd March 2025, when Scoƫsh Gas Networks (SGN) were called out by a housing tenant regards a smell of gas. During the visit the SGN engineer idenƟfied no gas readings and carried out a Ɵghtness check – the engineer then proceeded to test the boiler, on igniƟon the boiler caught fire - the fire service was called, and the boiler was made safe. SGN raised a RIDDOR (DO) report and submiƩed to the Health and Safety ExecuƟve. The Health and Safety ExecuƟve requested the GSL3 from the Council as the duty holder – this was completed and issued on 30th Apr 2025. No further acƟon taken by HSE. GSL3 Emails from HSE E Mail from Scoƫsh Housing Regulator
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8 AN4 NoƟfy the SHR of any tenant and resident safety maƩers which have been reported to or are being invesƟgated by the Health and Safety ExecuƟve, or reports from regulatory or statutory authoriƟes, or insurance providers, relaƟng to safety concerns How We Comply Evidence We reported this to the Scoƫsh Housing Regulator as a NoƟfiable Event. The SHR were saƟsfied with our approach and closed the case without any further evidence required. 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 People’s News (Re draŌed as Annual Review for Tenants) SHR Engagement Plan from 31 March 2024 – 31 March 2025 CAH Policy Board Report 19 August 2025 – RegulaƟon of Social Housing Assurance Statement People’s News (Re draŌed as Annual Review for Tenants)
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9 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 submiƩed to the Scoƫsh Housing Regulator in May 2025. A robust internal data checking framework is in place, with sample data independently verified by the Scoƫsh Housing Network. Each year Internal Audit select a number of indicators to ensure that the correct process are being followed, and the returns are accurate. Charter performance is reported bi-annually to the CommuniƟes and Housing Policy Board. An annual benchmarking exercise carried out with the Scoƫsh Housing Network (SHN) compares performance against previous years and other local authoriƟes. CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2024/25, 2025 Engagement Plan Internal Audit report
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10 CH2 Involve tenants, and where relevant other service users, in the preparaƟon and scruƟny of performance informaƟon. This must include: Agreeing the approach with tenants Ensuring that it is effecƟve 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 ParƟcipaƟon & Performance Engagement Performance CommunicaƟon Tenants are consulted on how performance data is presented and benchmarked. This is shared in the Charter supplement of the People’s News 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 presentaƟon were discussed at the Joint Tenants MeeƟng on 3 July 2025. Tenant ParƟcipaƟon Strategy Adopted in October 2022, with annual progress updates to the CommuniƟes and Housing Policy Board. Ongoing Engagement Tenant groups are consulted regularly, through face-to-face meeƟngs and on line meeƟngs. PresentaƟon and Minutes of Joint Tenant RepresentaƟve Group MeeƟngs. (3 July 2025) CAH Policy Board Report 11 March 2025 - Tenant ParƟcipaƟon Strategy Update Tenant ScruƟny Panel acƟvity Quality Circle InspecƟons 2025 - 2028 Rent ConsultaƟon Report to Council 27 February 2025 – HRA Budget and Rent Levels 2025/26 – 2027/28 and Housing Capital Investment Plan 2025/26 – 2029/30 CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Environment, Housing & Infrastructure Service Improvement Plan 2025-2028 Council Wide Forum Tenant & Resident AssociaƟon MeeƟngs RegeneraƟon & Renewal Area Pop-Up Events AƩendance Log CHAPS Policy Board Report 18 January 2022 - Housing-led RegeneraƟon & Renewal Programme ConsultaƟon Update
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11 CH2 Involve tenants, and where relevant other service users, in the preparaƟon and scruƟny of performance informaƟon. This must include: Agreeing the approach with tenants Ensuring that it is effecƟve 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 SaƟsfacƟon In 2024, 83.6% of tenants were saƟsfied with opportuniƟes to parƟcipate in decision-making. ParƟcipaƟon OpportuniƟes Tenants engage through surveys, forums, associaƟons, scruƟny panels, and Quality Circles. A new Quality Circle for Estate Management was introduced this year. Neighbourhood Renewal Groups established in 2 of 8 regeneraƟon areas, enabling local input on area improvements. Link to Council website for eight RegeneraƟon & Renewal areas Housing RegeneraƟon NewsleƩers CAH Policy Board Report 20 August 2024 - Housing-led RegeneraƟon & Renewal Programme Year 3 Update CAH Policy Board Report 19 August 2025 – Housing-led RegeneraƟon & Renewal Programme Year 4 Update Quality Circle MeeƟngs (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 reporƟng 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 representaƟves are consulted on how performance informaƟon should be presented; what indicators should be highlighted and how performance is benchmarked. PresentaƟon and Minutes of Joint Tenant RepresentaƟve Group MeeƟngs. (3 July 2025) People’s News (Re draŌed as Annual Review for Tenants)
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12 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 reporƟng 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 People’s News 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 reporƟng 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 naƟonal 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 reporƟng. 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 Scoƫsh averages Highlights of successes and areas for improvement Charter InformaƟon shared with tenant groups includes: Year-on-year performance data Comparisons with other social landlords Policy Board ReporƟng includes: IdenƟfied improvement areas such as re-let Ɵmes, adaptaƟons, void management, and gas safety CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2024/25, 2025 Engagement Plan Tenant SaƟsfacƟon Survey 2024 CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Environment, Housing & Infrastructure Service Improvement Plan 2025-2028 People’s News (Re draŌed as Annual Review for Tenants) - Annual Return on the Charter Tenant Supplement PresentaƟon and Minutes of Joint Tenant RepresentaƟve Group MeeƟngs (3 July 2025)
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13 CH4 When reporƟng 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 naƟonal 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 reporƟng. How We Comply Evidence People’s News invites tenant feedback on newsleƩer format and content 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 People’s News each year. The Councils performance against charter indicators is published on the Council Website. People’s News (Re draŌed as Annual Review for Tenants) – Annual Return on the Charter Tenant Supplement Council website 3. Tenants and Service Users Redress TS1 Make informaƟon on reporƟng significant performance failures, including the SHR’s leaflet, available to tenants. How We Comply Evidence InformaƟon for tenants on reporƟng 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 Scoƫsh Housing Regulator’s website. SHR Significant Failures Leaflet
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14 TS2 Provide tenants and other service users with the informaƟon they need to exercise their right to complain and seek redress and respond to tenants within the Ɵmescales outlined in the Council’s service standards, in accordance with guidance from the Scoƫsh Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO). How We Comply Evidence InformaƟon on how to complain is publicised widely, including online and in tenant newsleƩers. The Council adheres to the SPSO guidance in relaƟon to complaint Ɵmescales. The Council monitors complaints handling, and this is reported to the Scoƫsh Housing Regulator through the Annual Return on the Charter. Complaints performance informaƟon is covered in the Annual Report to Tenants. Complaints Handling Procedures: Customer Guide Complaints Form People’s News (Re draŌed as Annual Review for Tenants) Council website CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2024/25, 2025 Engagement Plan TS3 Ensure the Council has effecƟve arrangements to learn from complaints and from other tenant and service user feedback, in accordance with SPSO guidance. How We Comply Evidence Complaints Process InformaƟon on how to complain is widely publicised (online and in newsleƩers). The Council follows SPSO guidance on complaint Ɵmescales. Complaints are analysed for recurring themes, with officer meeƟngs held for insight. Tenant SaƟsfacƟon Survey (2024) noted: 90% of tenants had not made a complaint. Corporate Complaints Handling Procedures Complaints by Service Area Spreadsheet People’s News (Re draŌed as Annual Review for Tenants) SMT meeƟngs SPSO – Link on Council website
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15 TS3 Ensure the Council has effecƟve arrangements to learn from complaints and from other tenant and service user feedback, in accordance with SPSO guidance. How We Comply Evidence 79% found it easy to make a complaint CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Environment, Housing and Infrastructure Service Improvement Plan 2025-2028 2024 Tenant SaƟsfacƟon Survey TS4 Provide tenants, residents and service users with easy and effecƟve ways to provide feedback and raise concerns, and ensure that it considers such informaƟon and provides a quick and effecƟve response.. How We Comply Evidence Tenant Feedback & ParƟcipaƟon Surveys Conducted: Point-of-service and repairs saƟsfacƟon surveys Annual survey for property owners Tenant saƟsfacƟon survey (every two years) Tenant Involvement: Tenant ScruƟny Panel: Reviews and suggests service improvements Tenant Quality Circles: Inspect and receive reports on estate management and other services A “Good News” secƟon is included in the Sheltered Housing and Housing Support newsleƩers. Tenant SaƟsfacƟon Survey 2024 Repairs saƟsfacƟon survey Owners Survey Tenant ParƟcipaƟon Strategy TSP minutes Quality Circle reports Sheltered Housing NewsleƩers & Sheltered Housing Good News Housing Support NewsleƩers
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16 4. Whistleblowing WB1 Have effecƟve 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 informaƟon on Whistleblowing. This is available for staff and elected members on the Councils intranet site. Following the local government elecƟons in 2022 all councillors in the new administraƟon 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 IntroducƟon to Wards 1- 12. New Councillor PresentaƟon 2022
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17 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 service delivery. How We Comply Evidence Equality, Accessibility & Inclusive Housing – Summary Equality & Human Rights All Board reports are reviewed for equality and human rights implicaƟons. Equality Impact Assessments are conducted for all policy changes. The Service Improvement Plan includes an annual equaliƟes statement. Tenant SaƟsfacƟon & Engagement High saƟsfacƟon with service access and parƟcipaƟon opportuniƟes (2024 survey). Strategic Housing Investment Plan includes annual consultaƟon with individuals and groups. Inclusive Housing Design Newbuild SpecificaƟon ensures compliance with Housing for Varying Needs standards. Includes wheelchair-accessible and future-proof homes. Our regeneraƟon programme supports social transformaƟon in SIMD areas. Flexible & Accessible Services Hybrid working model supports service delivery in offices and remotely. Council Guide for Assessing Equality and Human Rights Impacts CollecƟng Equality InformaƟon: NaƟonal guidance for Scoƫsh social landlords, June 2022 Progress Report on Equality Mainstreaming Equality 2023 Housing InformaƟon & Advice for People with DisabiliƟes Digital Support for Council Tenants – Digital ParƟcipaƟon Overview 2022-2023 Link to Language Line translaƟon service & AlternaƟve formats are available on request. Wheelchair accessible customer service centre with Loop hearing systems in place. Renfrewshire Common Housing AllocaƟon Policy Housing OpƟons, mobility, Sheltered and HSPC housing applicaƟon process. Housing OpƟons On Line applicaƟon, hƩps://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/arƟcle/14207/Apply-for- council-housing
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18 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 service delivery. How We Comply Evidence “Near Me” video plaƞorm used for tenant appointments (46 booked, 32 aƩended since April 2024). All customers seeking housing are offered tailored housing opƟons discussions. Specialist Support A Housing & DisabiliƟes Advisor supports complex cases (e.g., hospital discharge, housebound individuals). Care Experienced Support The Service is commiƩed to Keeping The Promise and supporƟng care-experienced individuals. Close collaboraƟon with Social Work with our Throughcare policy for care leavers. High housing priority for young people leaving care; ongoing review of pracƟces to meet their needs. Strategic ReporƟng Rapid Rehousing TransiƟon Plan Review 2022 submiƩed to the Scoƫsh Government. Tenant InformaƟon Booklet & Tenancy Agreement Polish TranslaƟon Annual Re-registraƟon process for housing applicants Rapid Rehousing TransiƟon Plan Review 2022 Renfrewshire Homeless Partnership mulƟ-agency approach Housing Providers Forum Renfrewshire Common Housing AllocaƟon Policy EqualiƟes Impact Assessment. Housing-led RegeneraƟon and Renewal Programme for Renfrewshire - EqualiƟes Impact Assessment Tenants SaƟsfacƟon Survey 2024. Near Me Plaƞorm DraŌ Renfrewshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026 to 2031 ConsultaƟve draŌ Renfrewshire Council Newbuild SpecificaƟon Environment, Housing & Infrastructure - Service Improvement Plan 2025-2028 Homeless PrevenƟon Officers to link in with Throughcare
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19 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 service delivery. How We Comply Evidence Throughcare Partnership Agreement between Housing Services and Social Work
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20 EH2 To comply with these duƟes, landlords must collect data relaƟng to each of the protected characterisƟcs for their exisƟng tenants, new tenants, people on waiƟng lists, governing body members and staff. Local authoriƟes must also collect data on protected characterisƟcs for people who apply to them as homeless. Landlords who provide Gypsy/ Traveller sites must also collect data on protected characterisƟcs for these service users. How We Comply Evidence Equality Monitoring & Strategic Alignment Protected CharacterisƟcs InformaƟon is collected from housing applicants, tenants, and waiƟng list applicants (where provided), and anonymised in the Tenant SaƟsfacƟon Survey. Strategic Planning The Service Improvement Plan (SIP) aligns with the 5 strategic outcomes of the Council Plan 2023–2028, with acƟons grouped accordingly. Gypsy/Traveller CommuniƟes While there are currently no sites in Renfrewshire, the Council uses Scoƫsh Government resources and research to understand and respond to the evolving needs of Gypsy/Traveller communiƟes, parƟcularly around accommodaƟon and services. CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Social Housing Charter Performance: 2024/25, 2025 Engagement Plan CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 - Environment, Housing & Infrastructure Service Improvement Plan 2025-2028 CAH Policy Board Report 13 May 2025 – Scoƫsh Social Housing Charter Annual Return 2024/25 Unauthorised Encampments Procedures (Gypsy/Travellers) DraŌ Renfrewshire Strategic Housing Investment Plan 2026 to 2031 ConsultaƟve draŌ
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21 Environment, Housing & Infrastructure Renfrewshire Council Renfrewshire House Cotton Street Paisley PA1 1BR
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APPENDIX 2 Renfrewshire Council Assurance Statement 2025 This Assurance Statement covers the period from the date of the last Assurance Statement (October 2024) to the date of approval of this one (August 2025). 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. Over the past year the number of temporary accommodation units has increased to 279, including Council, RSL, and supported accommodation. B&B use is a last resort, with 261 placements since November 2022. Between April 2024 and March 2025 there were 99 breaches of the Unsuitable Accommodation Order. 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 and the Housing Landlord Compliance Strategy 2025-2028, which sets out the strategic approach to compliance across the six key areas of compliance relating to Council Housing assets (gas safety, electrical safety, fire safety, lift safety, asbestos management and water safety) was approved at the Communities and Housing Policy Board on 11th March 2025. Five landlord compliance policies have been reviewed in 2025 and presented to the Policy Board as follows: Gas and Carbon Monoxide Safety Policy – approved on 11th March 2025
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Electrical Safety Policy – approved on 11th March 2025 Fire Safety Policy – approved on 13th May 2025 Lift Safety Policy – approved on 13th May 2025 Water Safety Policy presented for approval on 19th August 2025 The Asbestos Management policy is currently under review and will be presented to the Policy Board this year. The Board received updates in October 2024 and March 2025 on Dampness, Mould and Condensation. A landlord policy covering this area is currently being developed and will be presented to the Policy Board this year. An update on Electrical testing (EICR) compliance was provided in the Housing Landlord Compliance-Biannual Performance report in May. The Council provides regular returns to the Scottish Housing regulator on Electrical testing and Smoke detector installation. In January 2025 the Scottish Housing Regulator published updated indicators for the Annual Return on the Charter (ARC) which included new indicators on fire and electrical safety and damp and mould which landlords will report on by the end of May 2026. From May 2026 the SHR will therefore receive assurance about fire and electrical safety and damp and mould via the ARC. There are policies and a Compliance Strategy in place to address matters of tenants and residents’ safety. Specific details on these areas are as follows: Gas safety Since April 2025 there were five instances where a gas certificate was not renewed by its anniversary date. Two have been completed and the remaining three are in the process of being completed. Electrical safety We are currently 99.6% compliant. The number of properties without a valid EICR certificate is 45, with action underway to complete these. 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.
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Asbestos Common area surveys have been undertaken and are in place for all sites. Re-inspections are required for some sites and will be undertaken on appointment of a suitably qualified contractor. The Asbestos Management Plan is currently under review and an asbestos action plan is being developed for submission to the Regulator by 30th September, as required by our Engagement Plan 2025/26. Damp and Mould As at the end of July 2025 o There were 53 resolved cases that took on average 36.6 days to resolve. o There were no cases re opened o There were 80 ongoing cases under investigation Lift safety There have been no incidents of lift safety issues. (Waiting for relevant narrative if any Service Performance With regards to service performance there are areas that the Board have been advised that the Charter data for 2024/25 displayed improved or stable performance in most indicators, with seventeen indicators improving from last year. There have been significant levels of improvement particularly notable in relation to void property management, rent arrears performance, emergency repairs and adaptations. There has been a decline in complaints handling performance which was reported to Board in May. Members were advised that work is ongoing to address Stage 1 complaints performance, including, additional training focusing on complaints handling and using the complaints system, support to officers where required; and a regular summary overview of Stage 1 complaints to help with focus on those nearing the target timescale. Similarly work to improve performance against more complex stage 2 complaints is underway. As well as additional training, work to address current performance will include new reporting to increase the visibility of ongoing performance so that additional support can be provided where necessary. To address tenant satisfaction levels, we are working with the Quality Circles to identify areas for attention and address stock condition through our SHQS and Investment programme.
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The background papers that support our Assurance Statement for 2025 note that there was one incident reported to the Health and Safety Executive, which, following investigation, it was concluded that no action was required. The Council’s Communities and Housing Policy Board regularly receives reports which provide information and evidence to support assurance. The Annual Assurance Statement 2025 was considered and approved by the Communities and Housing Policy Board on 19 August 2025. Signed _________________________________ Councillor Marie McGurk Convener of the Communities and Housing Policy Board Date: __________