Regulator of Social Housing inspection result
Folkestone & Hythe District Council has been awarded the highest possible consumer standards judgement (C1) by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).
We are currently the only council in Kent to have achieved the top rating and one of only 13% of councils nationally who have received this judgement.
The rating follows a detailed inspection of our housing services by the RSH over four months and confirms we are meeting the regulator's standards.
What does this mean for tenants?
The judgement provides independent assurance that the regulator found that the council is meeting all four consumer standards.
Safety and Quality Standard
Safety and quality of tenants’ homes
- The council has high levels of compliance across key health and safety requirements
- F&HDC currently has a strong understanding of the condition of council homes through the ongoing stock condition survey programme
- Our stock survey data enables the council to identify and plan future improvements and investment needs
- The council’s robust approach helps ensure homes remain safe, comfortable and maintained to a high standard for tenants now and in the future
Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard
How landlords provide information, listen to tenants and act on feedback
- F&HDC has a strong commitment to listening to tenants and involving them in shaping housing services
- The regulator highlighted the council's tenant-focused approach at an organisational level
- Tenant focus was found to underpin all aspects of the council’s role as a social housing landlord
- Tenants expressed pride in their involvement and engagement with the council
- Meaningful engagement opportunities provided by the council enable tenants to scrutinise services and influence improvements
- The council was also recognised for its strong commitment to transparency
- Information was found to be shared clearly and effectively through a range of communication channels, including non-digital options
- Complaints handling identified as a particular strength
- Complaints are managed fairly, efficiently and promptly
- Lessons learned from complaints are shared by the council and used to improve services
Neighbourhood and Community Standard
How landlords support safe and well-managed neighbourhoods
- Positive feedback received for the council’s approach to tackling anti-social behaviour and hate incidents
- Up-to-date policies support effective partnership working and accessible reporting
- Incidents are escalated appropriately when required
- Performance is regularly monitored to support continuous improvement across the organisation
Tenancy Standard
How homes are allocated and let, and how tenancies are managed
- Tenancy services found to meet all statutory requirements
- Regulator saw practical examples of extensive work by F&HDC to help tenants sustain their tenancies
- Strong support is in place to help tenants maintain successful and secure tenancies
Continuing to improve
While awarding the highest rating, the regulator highlighted the importance of continuing to strengthen the collection and use of tenant profile information.
This is already a priority for the council and work is underway to ensure services continue to meet the needs of all tenants.
To help us with this, we would be grateful if you could spare two minutes to update your personal data here. Knowing more about you will help us tailor our housing services according to your specific needs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a C1 rating?
A C1 rating is the highest consumer standards judgement that can be awarded by the Regulator of Social Housing.
Who carried out the inspection?
The inspection was carried out by the Regulator of Social Housing, the body responsible for regulating social housing providers in England.
Does this mean services cannot improve further?
No. While the judgement is very positive, we remain committed to learning, listening to tenants and continuously improving services.
Can I read the full judgement?
Yes. The full inspection report is available on the RSH website.