Findings of housing regulator welcomed

Lancaster City Council has welcomed the findings of an inspection by the Regulator of Social Housing.

All registered providers of social housing are now subject to an inspection by the regulator every four years. The city council has been awarded a C2 rating in its first inspection, which recognises progress in the services provided to residents but that some areas require improvement.

The inspectors found that the council is meeting its health and safety obligations and that tenants feel listened to and valued. It also highlighted the council's proactive work to tackle anti-social behaviour and support communities.

Weaknesses were due to a backlog in repairs, the council not fully understanding tenant needs and diversity, the opportunities for tenants to influence decisions required further development and embedding, and that some residents saw a delay in the council responding to complaints.

Councillor Caroline Jackson, leader of the city council and cabinet member for housing, said: "We welcome this inspection and the constructive feedback it provides. The C2 verdict is a great outcome and testament to the excellent work across our Housing service.

"We are already taking action to address the areas identified for improvement, including embarking on a tenant census to help us understand our tenants needs and have made good progress since the regulators visit in reducing the outstanding repairs noted.

“We see this as an opportunity to build on the positive foundations already in place and in continuing to provide safe and good homes for our residents."

The regulator's report highlighted the council's positive culture towards tenants and the range of opportunities that are on offer to involve them.

Jim and James, chair and vice chair of Lancaster City Council Tenants' Voice, said: “The Lancaster City Council Tenants' Voice welcome the findings from the Regulator of Social Housing.

“We feel it reflects the hard work the housing team have put in in recent years, particularly around good governance. We look forward to supporting continuous improvement through partnership working, especially for those tenants with diverse needs.

“It is encouraging to see the regulator highlight the housing service's respectful and positive culture towards tenants as well, as this is something we see every day.”

Lancaster City Council manages approximately 3,500 council homes and is the Lancaster district’s biggest social landlord.

Last updated: 12 August 2026