Source · Select Committees · Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee
Recommendation 47
47
Paragraph: 185
We disagree with the regulator’s assertion that intervening to shape the market - for example,...
Conclusion
We disagree with the regulator’s assertion that intervening to shape the market - for example, to encourage providers to consolidate their stock in particular areas - would take the regulator beyond its duty to minimise interference. As we have stated elsewhere, we think it should reinterpret this duty, as its current interpretation has resulted in a regulator that is simply too passive.
Paragraph Reference:
185
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Regulator of Social Housing is independent of the Government and is alone responsible for the interpretation of its statutory duties. The Regulator must interpret and discharge its statutory duties in a way that is consistent with Parliament’s intention. The Department engages regularly with the Regulator to understand how it is discharging its duties and to ensure that the Department’s policy intentions are understood. The Department welcomes the Committee’s views on the Regulator’s interpretation and will raise these points with the Regulator. The Government has amended the Social Housing (Regulation) Bill to remove the ‘serious detriment’ test.