Sutton Housing Partnership (SHP) has achieved a C1 rating from the regulator of social housing, signifying full compliance with housing consumer standards. This rating was awarded following a rigorous two-day on-site assessment by a panel of experts, who identified that LB Sutton is delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards and is making effective use of its systems to identify and address potential issues and areas for improvement.
Colin Hawkins added that the assessment was very rigorous
and involved reviewing historical reports and observing committee meetings.
Steve Tucker from SHP explained that the assessment involved interviews with officers and residents, and that the work leading to this rating began some time ago. He emphasised the crucial partnership with residents in achieving this outcome.
During a Housing, Economy and Business Committee meeting on Tuesday, 15 September 2026, the update on the SHP Delivery Plan for 2026-2027 was presented. The plan outlines SHP's approach to managing homes, improving services, meeting regulatory requirements, and delivering value for money, aligning with the Council's ambitions for quality and affordable housing. Lynne Mora Blair stated that the plan assure[s] that they are also aligned with the Council's ambitions for substance priorities around quality and affordable housing.
Key actions within the plan include completing stock condition surveys. Lynne Mora Blair mentioned that completing stock conditions survey. And this information will lead into how we look at the HRA business plan over 30 years and the investment opportunities that it will display.
The plan also prioritizes delivering on our repair improvement plan
and preparing for the Building Safety Act's phase two.
Furthermore, SHP is developing a roadmap for achieving EPC targets by 2030. The performance plan includes new KPIs related to the Building Safety Act, income management, and safety remedial actions. Specifically, Lynne Mora Blair stated there are 10 new KPIs, including five for AWAB's law, two for income management, and three for safety-related remedial actions.
Councillor Long raised a question regarding a £2.6 million increase in SHP's budget, asking what residents could expect to see as outcomes. Steve Tucker explained that a portion of this increase is due to inflation, with the remainder being invested in preparing the repair service for the Building Safety Act, addressing disrepair claims, and digital transformation to enable tenants to do more online.
As a direct result of this increase, residents can expect these investments, as well as the fact that new consumer standards require housing staff to have professional qualifications within three years.
Councillor Choi asked about the measures and resources in place to ensure SHP meets the high requirements of the Building Safety Act, phase two. Steve Tucker confirmed the appointment of a senior manager to lead on this and the introduction of a new case management system. He detailed the strict timescales for responding to hazards, including emergency situations within 24 hours and a 10-working-day deadline for investigations, with written summaries provided to tenants.
For more information on the committee meeting, refer to the Public reports pack for the Housing, Economy and Business Committee on 15 September 2026.