social housing

With solar PV installations continuing to accelerate, Kevin Taylor, Training and Technical Support Manager 
at Marley, says that tenant safety is the key factor for every social housing solar PV project.

Nobody can accuse the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) of lacking clarity in its expectations of registered providers of social housing in England. The recently published Regulatory Casework Review 2026 is an undeniably effective communication, providing simple and straightforward guidance, punctuated by relevant and unambiguous examples of both good and poor practice.

The reason the RSH can produce a document that even hardened members of the ‘Plain English Campaign’ would struggle to find fault with is that its seven key lessons are, fundamentally, common-sense ways for landlords to maximise the impact and value of their investments to existing and future residents.

The beginning of the 21st century saw a great many fresh ideas across the UK construction industry, from the adoption of digital technologies to a wider recognition of sustainability and the importance of reducing carbon emissions. Both innovations, we might add, that were whole heartedly embraced and harnessed by Vicaima in the development of its products and services.  However, alongside this forward-thinking approach, came the realisation that old habits in our industry are often difficult change, such as painting doors on-site, or the reluctance to consider complete door assemblies, rather than cobbling together a collection of disparate and non-compatible parts. The logic of cost-effective factory finishing or the long-term assurance provided by fully compliant door systems were still being ignored. Perhaps because it had always been done that way, or simply that the value of whole life costs were rarely discussed or that people to do a myriad of tasks on site, were always plentiful.

Anti-social behaviour is one of the most difficult and persistent challenges faced by social housing providers.

For residents, the consequences can be profound. Persistent noise, intimidation, harassment, drug-related activity, damage, nuisance or the regular presence of unwanted visitors can affect not only quality of life, but a person’s sense of safety in their own home.

For housing professionals, however, there is another problem: evidence.

The Prime Minister has pledged to remove the Right To Buy any new council houses built under his tenure.

In a powerful and emotional speech to the Labour Party Conference, he again highlighted his vision to kick-start the biggest council house building programme since the post-war era.

Durability is a key factor in the specification of kitchen and bathroom flooring in social housing, and Beauflor cushion vinyl flooring is the first line of defence against premature wear and early replacement.

Every day flooring comes under attack and without the right durable solution, the risk of early deterioration, tenant complaints and repairs rises sharply. So, the specification of a floor that’s up to the task is important in ensuring a durable and lasting solution that reduces the risk of early replacement.

With the latest Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) guidance placing greater focus on Falls Between Levels, now is the time for housing providers to review their opening window safety measures and assess what the updated guidance means, and is having a restrictor fitted adequate.

The HHSRS provides a useful reminder that housing safety is about identifying and managing risk, rather than simply ticking off products or features. HHSRS covers 21 potential hazards, including Falls Between Levels: falls from one level to another, such as through a window where guarding or edge protection is too low or defective.