PRESS RELEASE : RSH publishes regulatory notice for Easy Housing Association following a breach of the economic standards [March 2023]

The press release issued by the Regulator of Social Housing on 28 March 2023.

In a regulatory notice published today (28 March 2023), the Regulator of Social Housing concluded that Easy Housing Association has breached the governance and financial viability standard.

Following an investigation the regulator found that Easy Housing Association, a provider of supported exempt accommodation, is inadequately governed and that the board has failed to oversee the organisation with an appropriate level of skill and foresight. Easy Housing Association did not provide assurance that its board has appropriate experience or technical competence, and did not show evidence that it was addressing these skills gaps.

Because of these failures in governance, Easy Housing Association also failed to assure the regulator that it complies with the home standard and that tenants are not at risk of harm.

The regulator found that Easy Housing Association’s approach to business planning was inadequate and it did not plan appropriately for the risks associated with its lease arrangements. Its financial forecasting was also weak and it did not carry out appropriate stress testing of its business plan. In addition, Birmingham City Council has stated that one of Easy Housing Association’s properties was established without the required planning permission.

Easy Housing Association has not been able to demonstrate that its homes meet the definition of social housing, or that it complies with the rent standard.

In agreement with the regulator, the provider has put a plan in place to address these issues.

Harold Brown, Senior Assistant Director for Investigation and Enforcement, said:

Easy Housing Association has failed to meet our standards in multiple areas, including significant weaknesses in managing financial risks and in business planning. It also failed to show that it complies with the standards on key issues, including those for health and safety and rents. Its Board needs to take immediate steps to address these failures of governance.

Easy Housing Association and its new Chair have started to address these issues, and we will monitor it closely as it works to return to compliance with our standards.