Thanet District Council sets out proactive housing improvement plan following regulatory inspection

Thanet District Council is preparing a comprehensive improvement plan to address findings from the Regulator of Social Housing, following the publication of its inspection report on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

The regulator awarded the council a C3 consumer standards rating. While recognising positive operational performance, including high tenant satisfaction and strong delivery on day-to-day repairs and health and safety, the inspection identified key areas requiring improvement. The report focused on the extent and quality of stock condition data held on individual properties and how this data is used to plan long-term investment in council homes. The regulator also made recommendations in respect of antisocial behaviour monitoring and tenancy management.

Thanet District Council manages approximately 3,200 social rented homes. Official figures show that 78.2% of tenants are satisfied with the overall service, 85.7% are satisfied with repairs, and 76.6% feel safe in their homes, with satisfaction levels sitting above housing sector averages. 

The inspection confirmed that the council is meeting standards across core repairs, health and safety, tenancy management, and transparency, but noted that data oversight and monitoring must be strengthened.

Action to resolve these issues began well before the inspection outcome. In October 2025, the council updated its home survey methods. In August 2026, the council approved £190,000 to fund full condition surveys for all council homes by Spring 2027.

Cllr Helen Whitehead, Cabinet Member for Housing at Thanet District Council said: “We have taken huge steps forwards in our housing provision since East Kent Housing, and to be fully meeting the repairs and health and safety requirements of the standards is clear evidence of that, along with our performance in the Transparency and Accountability and Tenancy standards. 

“Our focus has always been on tenants and their experience, and it will continue to be; that our tenant satisfaction measures reflect a trend above the national average shows that clearly.

“While the outcome from the regulator is highly disappointing, we have already taken focused action and will continue to address every area highlighted. I believe our record shows just how important providing excellent council housing for Thanet residents is to us as a council, and it could not be more important to me.

“Our Tenant and Leaseholder Services team works with immense dedication every day to support local people, as do all of our linked housing teams. That commitment is reflected in our high tenant satisfaction scores and the commitment and care of our staff is beyond question.

“We already know that delivering a great service must go hand-in-hand with robust data and monitoring. We were working on these areas before the inspection and we will have completed new surveys in all of our 3,200 homes by spring 2027. 

“Our focus continues to be on delivering the service our tenants deserve. I will always want the very best for our tenants, and we will do everything necessary to ensure we are both delivering and evidencing that commitment.”

A full draft improvement plan setting out clear actions, targets, and timelines will be presented to the Cabinet on Tuesday 3 November 2026. Once considered by Councillors, the finalised plan will be published and shared openly with residents.

Notes to Editors

1. Consumer standards ratings: The Regulator of Social Housing assesses local authority landlords against four Consumer Standards (Safety and Quality; Transparency, Influence and Accountability; Neighbourhood and Community; Tenancy)
   • C1: Delivering the required outcomes.
   • C2: Some weaknesses, but no serious failings.
   • C3: Serious failings requiring significant improvement.
   • C4: Very serious failings in delivery of standards.
2. Stock Condition Assessments: In August 2026, Cabinet approved the reallocation of £190,000 to fund comprehensive stock condition and Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) surveys across all council properties by March 2027.