Following a recent routine inspection carried out by the Social Housing Regulator, Cambridge City Council has received a consumer grading of C2.

A C2 grading confirms that the council, as a landlord, is delivering a service to its tenants that is compliant with the national standards set out by the regulator. Some areas for improvement were identified, which the regulator also acknowledged are already being addressed by the council.

The regulator noted the council’s “respectful, fair and positive culture towards tenants”. This is a core principle for how housing services, and wider services, are delivered by the council.

It was also recognised that the council provides an effective, efficient and timely repairs service, with tenant satisfaction in the quality and timeliness of the repairs continuing to rise. In 2024-25 the council completed 92% of non-emergency repairs and 95% of emergency repairs within set timescales.

Other areas which the report highlighted as areas in which the council is performing well include:

• The management of anti-social behaviour
• Transparency and the sharing of information with tenants
• Tailored, individual support provided to tenants

Areas for improvement – which the regulator acknowledged have action plans already in place - include:

• Stock condition surveys: These are property inspections of homes to check their overall condition, identify repairs needed, and plan future maintenance or improvements. The council has already begun to address the backlog and in July of this year, Cabinet approved an acceleration programme to speed up inspections.
• Fire risk assessment remedial actions: As many tenants are aware, the council has been working to further decrease fire risks. The regulator noted the excellent progress the council has made in this area of work to keep tenants safe. Outstanding risks still being addressed are things like clutter in communal areas which can affect fire escape routes, and where there may be missing fire safety signage.
• Data management systems: Some of the technical systems for managing data are slightly outdated. The regulator noted that over the past 18 months these systems have been strengthened. The council has committed to carry out further improvements that will allow data to be managed more efficiently.

Cllr Gerri Bird, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We welcome this grading and the recognition of the positive way our tenants are treated and supported in their interactions with us.

“Having been a council tenant myself, I know first-hand how important it is to feel supported, respected and treated with dignity – especially when it comes to your own home. Making sure tenant voices are heard and making a difference where it matters to them is one of the things that drives me as a councillor.

“Everyone deserves to have a warm, healthy, and safe place to call home.”

Diana Minns, Elected Tenant Representative and Co-chair of the Housing Advisory Board, said: “We welcome the Regulator’s assessment that the Housing Service is doing well – and thank all those that work hard at the council to make our homes a great place to live in challenging times.

“As elected tenant and leaseholder representatives we’ll continue to work alongside the council, as critical friends, to help ensure improvements are made where needed. The voices, needs, safety and well-being of tenants and leaseholders are central to the Regulator’s approach and inspection. We’ll continue to make sure that remains the council’s focus too.”