RSH social housing landlord inquiry has begun into Ash-Shahada Housing Association after the Regulator of Social Housing launched a statutory inquiry over serious concerns. The inquiry will examine governance, possible conflicts of interest and whether senior leaders have the skills and independence needed to run ASHA.
Jonathan Walters said: “A statutory inquiry is a serious regulatory tool that we only use very rarely.” He added: “This reflects the severity of our concerns with ASHA and its long-standing failure to put things right. We will use the independent findings to inform our next steps.”
Jonathan Walters and ASHA
ASHA is a London-based landlord that provides social housing in London and supported exempt accommodation in Birmingham. The Regulator of Social Housing has notified ASHA and relevant stakeholders of the inquiry, which means the landlord now faces formal scrutiny of its executive team, board and any arrangements that may have advanced the interests of third parties.
The regulator will also look for evidence that ASHA’s social housing assets were used in ways that may not fit applicable policies, procedures, regulatory requirements or any relevant law. It will try to identify any officer, employee or agent who contributed to mismanagement or a failure to meet a standard.
ASHA board response
A spokesperson for ASHA said: “We are extremely disappointed and surprised by today’s announcement and do not recognise the picture it paints of ASHA.” The board said it had made real changes to how ASHA is run, including its decision to step away from supported exempt accommodation in Birmingham.
ASHA also said it had commissioned independent investigations to ensure it meets governance and regulatory requirements, and that it had sought independent and legal advice at all material times. It added: “We will co-operate fully with the inquirer and are confident the evidence will show the progress we have made and that decisions are supported by independent and legal advice received.”
RSH statutory inquiry
The RSH has power to hold an inquiry if it suspects a landlord’s affairs may have been mismanaged, if it has failed to meet a regulatory standard or if there is a risk it will fail to meet one. ASHA is a community benefit society and a not-for-profit provider, so the regulator’s findings could affect how its affairs are overseen and whether further regulatory action follows.
Walters said the regulator will use independent findings to decide its next steps. ASHA said its priority remains the tenants who rely on it.
