Barnet Council has received a ‘C1’ grading from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH), the highest possible result for landlords of social housing.
Barnet is one of a small number of London councils to be awarded the RSH’s top grading to date, meaning its social housing service is delivering the required outcomes of the RSH’s consumer standards for tenants. The council’s 9,000 social housing properties are managed by Barnet Homes.
The RSH reported among its findings that the council and Barnet Homes are committed to treating tenants with fairness and respect, have a good understanding of the condition of the council’s homes, and are taking all reasonable steps to comply with statutory health and safety requirements.
The judgement also recognises that the council and Barnet Homes work collaboratively to identify issues and put in place plans to remedy them and acknowledges where those plans are continuing to deliver improved outcomes.
The RSH judgement follows the council’s recent granting of a 10-year extension to Barnet Homes’ management agreement.
Cllr Ross Houston, Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration, said: “We welcome and are encouraged by the findings from the Regulator of Social Housing, which demonstrate the progress Barnet Homes has made in improving housing services over recent years.
“We recognise the important contribution the council’s tenants make in holding Barnet Homes and the council to account and in helping to shape the housing services and influence decision-making, and that the inspection result reflects this area of strength.
“The judgement comes shortly after the council’s decision to retain Barnet Homes for a further 10 years from April 2026, and we look forward to the continued delivery of housing services that are responsive to tenants’ needs.
“The inspection has provided an opportunity to reflect on and feel proud about what works well, whilst also understanding how we can continue to improve. We know there is still much to do to make sure tenants receive the best possible service.
“Our improvement plans remain underway, and we are committed to continuing to work with tenants to make sure their voices are heard, meet diverse needs, and shape better services.
‘Thank you to all the tenants and staff who contributed to the inspection process.”
The inspection involved the RSH speaking to tenants and observing meetings including the Barnet Homes Board and Resident Board, and the council’s Cabinet.
The RSH also attended meetings with the council’s and Barnet Homes’ senior leadership teams and completed a detailed review of performance and other information.
Read the full judgement on the RSH website: London Borough of Barnet – GOV.UK
