Tandridge District Council Self-Refers to Regulator Over Untested Electrical Systems in Social Housing

A local authority in Surrey has reported itself to the social housing regulatory body due to its failure to conduct required electrical inspections in its residential units. Tandridge District Council stated that it has initiated a “major programme” to finalize electrical installation condition reports (EICRs) throughout its social housing portfolio, following the discovery that the necessary testing “had not been correctly implemented.” The council has submitted a self-referral to the Regulator of Social Housing and plans to reach out to council tenants to inform them of the scheduled dates for their property inspections. Councillor Jeremy Pursehouse commented: “We take residents’ safety extremely seriously and are determined to keep raising the quality of our council homes.” The council indicated that it became aware of the uncompleted testing during “a reorganisation and as part of an ongoing review of the housing service.” Mr Pursehouse further stated: “In line with best practice and for transparency we are making this self-referral to, and working with, the Regulator of Social Housing, as the independent organisation responsible for driving improvements in social housing through robust regulation.” He added: “We are sorry for the delay in carrying out these tests but tenants can be reassured this work is underway.” The authority confirmed that these tests are integral to efforts aimed at enhancing its 2,600 council homes, which also encompass establishing a new residents’ forum, implementing a damp and mould prevention service, and securing various repairs and maintenance agreements.