The Regulatory Challenge

Richard Sorensen

Tenant Services Coordinator

0161 242 5965

richard.sorensen@tsa.gsx.gov.uk

Why regulate?

Imperfect Market

• Shortage of supply means little consumer choice

• Market not driven by the consumer

Protecting public money

Accountability

• Not to tenants

• Not to the electorate

• Not to shareholders

Housing associations are only truly accountable to the regulator

Housing Corporation focused on

• Governance

• Viability

Smoke and mirrors

Housing Corporation powers:

• Statutory enquiry

• Appointment of board members

The regulation of housing associations is a delicate balance based on:

• trust

• consensus

Tenant Services Authority

Ultimately domain based

• Housing associations

• Private sector

• Local authorities

• ALMOs

Consumer focused

• Services to tenants and communities• Improving choice

A tenant centred approach to regulation

Our Purpose

We are here to raise the standard of services for tenants:

to champion the needs and aspirations of tenants, both those within and those as yet unable to access

affordable housing

to challenge providers of affordable housing services to meet or exceed the highest standards of

organisational effectiveness and service delivery

to shape the affordable housing landscape by introducing choice for tenants and providers

And in so doing, act as a catalyst for change to

improve the lives of ten million people

Why we are different

1. In everything we do, we think ‘what does this mean’ for tenants and potential tenants

2. We are a Regulator and not an Investor3. We are independent 4. We have clear strategic objectives that

set out our responsibilities in law5. We have a new, more flexible, set of

intervention tools 6. We will regulate homes owned by both

housing associations and local authorities

Key features of TSA

Stronger role for the regulator to protect tenantsMore flexible regulation, with reduced burdensCo-regulatory approach backed by swift, targeted powersEnabling clause for introduction of regulation of local authorities and ALMOs

Every Tenant Matters

Whoever the landlord is:Clarity for tenants about the standards of service they should receiveAssurance that their views on standards and service quality are central to their landlord’s business managementInformation available to TSA and tenants that allow clear assessment of performanceConfidence for tenants that if performance is not good that the failure will be put right

Tenants should…..

•be involved in setting targets for key services•be involved in monitoring performance including the ability to trigger action by the regulator•Have access to information performance, benchmarked to similar landlords for comparison•Be able to network and share ideas about their experiences•Tenant involvement should be an integral part of landlord performance

The Timeline

October-November 2008 set-up phaseOutline TSA missionOperational Readiness – Day 1Recruit ‘top’ posts and agree interim structures

December 2008-March 2009 phase 1aLaunch of national consultation with tenants through meetings, workshops, focus groups, vox pop, websites, written materials.

Commence TSA Restructure

April–July 2009 phase 1bWider consultation with sector on standards andour regulatory approach. Complete restructureand recruitment

The Timeline(part 2)

August–November 2009 phase 1c

Statutory consultation on standards throughout domain. New website and information sharing tools. Fees policy and funding for domain

agreed.

December 2009 (or earlier) phase 2

New standard framework launched, 2008 Act regulatory powers ‘switched on’ for RSLs and Register of housing providers opened up

April 2010 phase 3

entry of local authorities into regulatory regime

The future is in your hands…..

Any questions…..