Jonathan Walters, the chief executive of the Regulator of Social Housing, used his address at the Housing 2026 conference to reinforce the importance of achieving more and better social homes.
Jonathan said that the “sector has delivered nearly half a million new homes over the past 10 years, alongside making vital improvements to existing homes to tackle issues like damp and mould. This has been made possible by billions of pounds of private investment, predicated on the sector’s stable regulatory environment and the focus on strong governance and financial viability.”
But, Jonathan added, “there are still over one million households on waiting lists and more quality homes are desperately needed.”
Jonathan reinforced that there is a chance for landlords to “seize the opportunities afforded by additional grant funding.” But to do this in a context of tighter margins and global economic uncertainty, “good governance and rigorous risk management will be absolutely crucial.”
Jonathan concluded by saying that, to support landlords in delivering more and better social homes, “We are having a wide-ranging conversation with the sector about how RSH can future proof its economic regulation. We have set out proposals (in our discussion document) on how we could be more assertive and agile, and encourage innovation.”
RSH is actively seeking feedback from anyone with an interest in social housing and looks forward to having lots of conversations over the coming months.
ENDS
Notes to editors
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