Croydon Council is taken off housing regulator watchlist

DECISION FOLLOWS EVIDENCE OF IMPROVEMENTS IN STANDARDS, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE

- By HARRISON GALLIVEN Local democracy reporter

THE social housing regulator has lifted its regulatory notice on Croydon Council four years after it was marred in scandal over the state of its housing stock.

The decision follows evidence of improvements in housing standards, repairs, maintenance, resident engagement, and customer service made by the council.

Croydon Mayor Jason Perry called the news a 'crucial moment' for Croydon's ongoing housing improvement, adding: "We are creating a borough that listens to residents and invests in safer, better-quality homes."

The council self-referred to the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) in 2021 after widespread concerns about conditions at the Regina Road estate in South Norwood. An ITV report exposed the extent of the poor conditions, revealing damp floors, mould-covered walls, and extensive disrepair.

Following its referral, the regulator issued a notice citing serious failures in leadership, communication, and performance management under the then Labour-led council.