Published on Wednesday 28 January 2026
Securing the highest C1 consumer grade from the Regulator of Social Housing – an achievement that places it among only seven councils in England – marks another significant milestone in BCP Council’s transformation of housing services and on its journey post-local government reorganisation (LGR).
When the creation of the BCP Council as a unitary council in 2019 brought together a combined housing stock of 10,800 rented, leasehold and shared ownership properties, the council set out on an ambitious housing improvement journey demonstrating what is possible when ambition, action and accountability come together.
Crucially, residents’ voices have shaped every step of the journey. Tenants in our 9,600 rented homes consistently report feeling treated with fairness and respect, supported by multiple engagement routes and a visible ‘You Said, We Did’ approach that ensures feedback directly influences the services they rely on.
From elevating safety, revolutionising the repairs service, and putting tenant insight at the very heart of decisions, the council is demonstrating how a bold, tenant-focussed approach can make local authority housing management services thrive.
Acting swiftly on safety, the council moved at pace following its 2024 self-referral to the Regulator of Social Housing, addressing overdue fire, electrical and water safety actions quickly with the case closed within six months, and achieving full compliance across all six key health and safety areas. This decisive approach has been reinforced through robust internal and external assurance and underscores our commitment to transparency and sector-leading standards.
A strengthened, resident-centred response to damp and mould has transformed outcomes, with a dedicated specialist team, case managed support and follow-up checks ensuring greater transparency and improved experiences for tenants. Repairs are also made far quicker, with this improved performance driven by targeted investment to meet rising demand and tackle the root causes of issues more effectively.
Alongside this, the council now holds its most accurate and up to date picture yet of housing conditions. A rolling stock condition survey is also on track to achieve full coverage by April 2026, with the small number of remaining homes scheduled to meet the Decent Homes Standard by March 2026.
The council has also strived not only to maintain homes but create a resident centred environment: it has worked proactively with partners to drive improvements in tackling anti-social behaviour and demonstrated commitment to fairness, respect, and listening to residents.
Strengthened governance, underpinned by high quality Cabinet and Board reporting, has deepened scrutiny, clarity and accountability at every level.
Kelly Deane, Director of Housing and Public Protection, BCP Council said:
“Home is where the heart is, right? And so, we wanted to put people and homes at the heart of our housing service. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar – this is about people feeling safe and happy where they live, where they can make a home for themselves and their family to thrive.
“We took this responsibility very seriously, embarking on an ambitious improvement journey – one that focuses on doing the basics brilliantly, while strengthening assurance and listening to what our residents want and need.
“We have owned issues and fixed them fast, and we have built a culture of continuous improvement. We’ve strengthened safety compliance, tackled damp and mould proactively, and improved repairs performance.
“We’ve invested in data-driven asset assurance and put tenant voices at the heart of everything we do. I’m really proud to see that reflected in the regulator’s feedback, with officers found to be transparent, respectful and effective.
“Achieving this C1 rating is more than a grade it shows that our culture of transparency and continuous improvement is working and we’re determined to keep raising standards for our residents.”
Aidan Dunn, BCP Council’s Chief Executive, BCP Council, said:
“I’ve been lucky enough to speak to some of our tenants and am proud and humbled by their positive feedback about their homes. This council is here to support our residents to live fulfilled and happy lives, and having a home, not just a place to stay, is an important part of that.
“So, this outcome is a real vote of confidence in BCP Council’s housing management services and reinforces our determination to keep listening to residents and keep improving.
“It reflects the transparent governance and strong leadership we have across the council: one that enables services to thrive, innovate and deliver excellence for our residents.
“And I know our team won’t stop here – this result will inspire us to continue building on these strong foundations as we strive to make every BCP house a home.”
Councillor Kieron Wilson, BCP Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for housing and regulatory services, said:
“We are so pleased the regulator recognised the tremendous strides our teams have made and the solid confidence our governance inspires. And it is testament to our hardworking and passionate team at BCP Homes, many of whom, like me, know first-hand just how important social housing is in providing a solid foundation on which to build your life.
“We are always striving to be a landlord who listens, learns and improves. Residents’ voices are at the heart of everything we do, and tenants have worked proactively with us to help shape the housing management services we provide today.
“It can’t be said enough how proud we are of this achievement; however, this should be seen as a very important milestone on a journey to deliver even more for our residents. We always want to go further and provide the best service we possibly can.