Wandsworth Council rated 'C3' for housing safety failings
Regulator finds nearly 80% of communal areas and 40% of properties lacked electrical safety tests.
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Wandsworth Council has pledged to improve its housing services following a critical assessment by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). The authority was given a 'C3' rating, the second lowest possible score, in February 2025, after inspectors identified serious failures in health and safety compliance within the council's housing stock.
Widespread safety concerns identified
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An inspection conducted in November 2024 revealed that nearly 80 per cent of communal areas across the council's housing portfolio and approximately 40 per cent of individual properties had not received an electrical safety test. Furthermore, the RSH identified 1,800 fire safety works that were overdue by more than 12 months. While none of these were classified as high risk, their delay indicates a systemic issue with maintenance schedules.
The inspection also highlighted weaknesses in the council's record-keeping regarding the condition of its homes. Inspectors found that the council lacked up-to-date information on the state of most of its properties. Additionally, the regulator noted shortcomings in how the authority considered and communicated with tenants about their views on decision-making processes.
Council leader apologises and outlines improvement plans
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Conservative Council Leader Robert Morritt apologised to tenants and leaseholders for the substandard level of service they had experienced. Speaking at a council meeting on Tuesday, September 15, Councillor Morritt stated his ambition to achieve a 'C1' rating and assured residents that work was underway to ensure homes are safe, well-maintained, and properly managed. He emphasised a commitment to providing accurate records, timely inspections, and effective repairs.
Councillor Morritt indicated that the administration's focus would be on improving existing housing stock rather than prioritising new builds, though he stressed the importance of appropriate new developments. He also expressed a desire for tenants and leaseholders to be treated with greater respect and less dismissively.
The council is currently implementing its housing improvement and transformation plan, which was approved in January. This plan aims to enhance compliance and resident engagement. The authority is also in the process of hiring a new director of housing, conducting estate inspections, and organising developer forums.
Opposition's perspective on housing policy
Labour Opposition Leader Simon Hogg acknowledged the regulator's findings, stating that only the highest standards are acceptable for leaseholders and tenants. He stressed the need for cultural change and support for renters. However, the Labour group expressed disagreement with the current Conservative administration's housing policies, particularly the axing of plans to build new council homes on several estates, including the Lennox estate in Roehampton and the Ashburton estate in Putney.
Councillor Hogg outlined Labour's vision, which includes building more council homes, strengthening renters' rights, ending rough sleeping, and developing improvement plans collaboratively with tenants. He stated that while Labour would support necessary repairs and improvement plans, they would oppose policies that reduce the number of council homes and neglect renters' concerns.
Future strategy for temporary accommodation
Looking ahead, Wandsworth Council plans to develop a new strategy for temporary accommodation over the coming months. This initiative is part of the broader effort to address housing issues within the borough.
Questions this report answers
+What rating did Wandsworth Council receive for its housing services?
Wandsworth Council received a 'C3' rating from the Regulator of Social Housing in February 2025. This is the second lowest possible score and indicates significant failings in meeting health and safety standards.
+What were the main safety concerns found by inspectors?
Inspectors found that nearly 80% of communal areas and around 40% of properties had not had an electrical safety test. Additionally, 1,800 fire safety works were overdue by more than 12 months.
+What is the council doing to address these issues?
The council leader has apologised and pledged to fix the services. Plans include implementing a housing improvement and transformation plan, hiring a new director of housing, and developing a new temporary accommodation strategy.
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