STORY
Broxtowe Borough Council has been issued a failing grade by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) after an inspection uncovered more than 3,000 overdue fire safety actions. The Nottinghamshire-based local authority was handed a “C3” grading on 14 January 2026, a rating which indicates significant weaknesses and a need for substantial improvement in delivering consumer standards for its tenants.
The regulator’s findings highlighted several critical areas of concern, most notably the backlog of fire remedial works. Beyond immediate safety risks, the inspection found that the council lacked accurate and up-to-date information regarding the condition of its homes and potential hazards within them. Furthermore, the RSH noted a lack of understanding of the diverse needs of tenants and suggested that the council’s engagement with its residents requires significant strengthening.
Kate Dodsworth, Chief of Regulatory Engagement at RSH, emphasised the importance of data in maintaining safe living conditions. She noted that without accurate information, it is impossible for landlords to demonstrate that homes are safe, warm and decent. This latest grading comes as part of a wider programme of inspections introduced under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which grants the regulator stronger powers to hold social landlords to account.
In response to the report, Broxtowe Borough Council has engaged constructively with the regulator and expressed a commitment to resolving the identified issues. Councillor Vanessa Smith, Portfolio Holder for Housing, stated that the council had already established a Housing Improvement Board prior to the inspection to address legislative changes. She welcomed the feedback and assured residents that the council’s focus remains on delivering safe, high-quality homes and learning from the regulator’s findings.