Housing Ombudsman and Regulator of Social Housing publish a new Memorandum of Understanding

Earlier this month the Housing Ombudsman (the Ombudsman) and Regulator of Social Housing (the Regulator) published their new Memorandum of Understanding (the Memorandum) setting out how they will continue to work together in light of their new powers provided by The Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. 

The Regulator and the Ombudsman have distinct roles within the social housing sector and exercise their functions within their respective statutory remits. The Regulator's focus is at landlord level whereas the Ombudsman is mandated to deal with specific disputes between landlord and tenant. The Ombudsman has also published codes and guidance for landlords to adhere to, such as the complaints handling code.

The Memorandum

The Memorandum sets out a framework of communication, co-operation, and exchange of information between the Ombudsman and the Regulator and explains how each will work together to fulfil their respective roles. 

The Memorandum includes commitments for:

1. Complementary approaches, with both bodies striving to achieve a compatible approach while respecting their independent roles. 
2. Early communication with one another on issues with potentially significant implications for each other. 
3. Signposting. Enquiries will be directed to the appropriate organisations, with clear explanations provided. 
4. Meeting and communicating regularly at various levels of seniority, to discuss matters of mutual interest, including stakeholder engagement. 
5. Promoting understanding of respective roles amongst residents and landlords. 
6. Ensuring consistent communication in how the bodies communicate about each other’s roles.

It will be interesting to see how the Memorandum changes the relationship between the two parties and how this impacts the sector. 

For more information or assistance involving matters involving the Ombudsman or Regulator, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Victoria Smith or Samantha Grix.