Reducing No-Access Rates In A New Era For Legislation

Gaining first-time access to complete essential gas, electrical and maintenance checks is an historic challenge for the social housing sector – one that has intensified considerably off the back of the Grenfell tragedy and other recent events. Now, housing associations and local authorities face much tighter legislation, as well as a stronger focus on adhering to ‘the big six’: asbestos, fire doors, gas, electricity, stair lifts and lifts. 

Amidst these new government regulations, the onus falls on you, the landlords, to gain access to properties under increased pressure – or face the consequences. Naturally this means organisations like yours have to go to new lengths to remain compliant – stretching budgets, people power and resources when you’re already dealing with other compounding priorities. 

In this blog, we explore how Voicescape is helping the sector to reduce no-access rates by harnessing automation to drive better tenant engagement. But first, a look at some of the key legislative changes…

The legislative landscape

From safety and maintenance to accessibility, energy efficiency and tenant rights, the essence of social housing compliance is constant. But the legislation is changing, creating new pressures around no-access, most notably with the:

Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023 

• The Act strengthens the rights of tenants while giving the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) stronger powers to act should things go wrong, including:
  • Regular inspections of the largest social housing providers
  • An increase from a £5,000 maximum to an unlimited fine for non-compliance with gas safety
  • A right to enter properties with only 48 hours' notice rather than 28 days 

• It also requires all social housing managers to have a professional qualification, and social landlords to set strict time limits for addressing hazards such as damp and mould

Revised regulatory consumer standards

• Due to come into force in April 2024, this instructs social housing landlords to harness information and data to really understand their customers' needs and background, and design services around them

Moving forwards

Naturally, you already know that gas and electrical safety checks are key to maintaining a safe environment for your tenants and residents. But as legislation tightens, without any external support to help you achieve safer homes, compliance may have to be delivered with the resources you already have.

Speaking in our recent whitepaper, President Of The Association of Safety and Compliance Professionals (ASCP) Group Claire Heyes explained: “Working smarter will be key, harnessing new systems, data, and automation where possible. Stronger engagement with residents will also be crucial in order to prioritise gaining the first-time access we need to maintain compliance, ensure safe homes, and drive down costs.” 

Discover the solution in our whitepaper

Our recent whitepaper was driven by primary research with Voicescape customers and partners and shows how everyone can improve their access position with the right tools and knowledge. In it, we explore how new conditions require new, smarter approaches to improve tenant engagement and reduce no-access rates in a way that addresses the spectrum of competing priorities. 

Inside, you’ll discover:

• Foreword from Claire Heyes FCCA, President of the ASCP Group
• Focus on the legislative landscape and the spectrum of social housing priorities beyond compliance
• Stat-led analysis around the real cost of no-access
• Boots-on-the-ground insights and primary research from our customers
• Critique of appointment-booking methods followed by our best-of-both-worlds solution
• Case studies on how housing associations are using Voicescape Compliance technology to tackle no-access

Download the free whitepaper here.