The routine inspection, carried out in October 2025, resulted in the council receiving a C3 grading under the Regulator’s Consumer Standards, meaning significant improvement is required in some areas of service delivery.
The Regulator highlighted strengths in the council’s partnership work to tackle anti-social behaviour and hate incidents, confirmed that homes are allocated in a fair and transparent way, and observed a respectful approach to tenants during the inspection. However, it also found weaknesses in assurance around property condition, oversight of repairs performance, tenant engagement, and the accessibility of service information.
The inspection follows a “mock” review commissioned by the council in autumn 2024 to benchmark its housing services and identify areas for improvement. Since then, a stock condition survey has been 87% completed, £850,000 of additional funding approved for repairs, and investment made in a new asset management system, due to go live in 2026/27. A strengthened performance management framework and new tenant engagement framework, “Have Your Say and Make a Difference”, have also been introduced.
Ahead of the inspection, the council made a self-referral to the Regulator regarding the accuracy and completeness of repairs information, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and early action.
Cllr Claire Edwards, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for Communities, Homes, Safety, and Regulation, said: “When I became Portfolio Holder, it was clear that significant work was needed to ensure our housing services were operating at the standard our tenants deserve. Over the past 18 months we have invested in our services, strengthened engagement with tenants, and progressed major improvements to our repairs service.
"We welcome the Regulator’s assessment and see it as an important part of our improvement journey. We remain committed to investing in our workforce and systems, and to working closely with tenants as we continue to strengthen our housing services.”
Cllr Noreen New, Rugby Borough Council Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Communities, Homes, Safety, and Regulation, said: “It is important that we are open about where services need to improve. The Regulator’s findings set a clear benchmark for the standards our tenants should expect, and work is already underway to ensure those changes make a tangible difference.
“We will continue to provide transparent updates on progress and ensure that tenant voices are central as these changes are delivered.”
A full copy of the Housing Regulator’s findings has been published on the council’s website. The council will send all its tenants an overview of the findings in the tenant newsletter.