This Month In Social Housing: March 2026
March has rolled around already, and with it comes that unmistakable sense that the year’s about to properly get going. The mornings are a touch brighter, the coats are (optimistically) a little lighter, and there’s a growing feeling that winter’s finally loosening its grip. But in the world of social housing, March is less about easing into spring and more about bracing for what comes next.
Because just around the corner sits April and with it, a fair bit of change. New rent settlements kick in, funding from the latest Affordable Homes Programme starts to flow, and a fresh set of expectations around standards, delivery and investment begin to bite. In short, the runway’s disappearing from view and it’s time for take-off. So, before the new financial year lands in full force, grab a brew, settle in, and catch up on everything shaping the sector in the March edition of This Month in Social Housing…
RSH Report Finds Sector’s Average Interest Cover Impacted by Small Number of Large Providers
The social housing sector’s average interest cover has fallen to 87%, driven largely by a small number of very large providers, according to a new Value for Money report from the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). While the median provider remains stronger at 113%, the report warns that weaker performance among major landlords is dragging down the overall picture. The Regulator said the figure “is heavily influenced by a small number of very large providers”, highlighting reduced financial headroom across the sector. Despite this, landlords invested a record £14.8bn in new and existing homes, although spending has shifted towards repairs and safety. RSH director of strategy Will Perry said: “While these are challenging times for some landlords,” boards must ensure resources are used effectively and demonstrate clear value for money.
Alan Partridge Seeks to ‘Disrupt’ Traditional Regeneration Models with New People-Led Development Corporation
Comedian Steve Coogan has pledged to “disrupt” traditional regeneration models as co-chair of a new mayoral development corporation (MDC) in Middleton, Greater Manchester. Speaking at MIPIM, the Alan Partridge actor said existing approaches to “affordable housing” are failing local communities, questioning whether developments could be made “actually… affordable”. Working alongside Rose Marley and mayor Andy Burnham, the MDC aims to adopt co-operative principles, giving residents a stronger voice in shaping regeneration. Coogan said the initiative seeks to “do things a little bit differently” and create “sustainable change… rooted in… more imaginative” approaches. The project, still in early stages, could deliver around 1,500 homes while exploring new, community-led development models. Back of the net!
Regulator Flags Influence of ‘Dominant Individuals’ in Social Landlord Governance Failings
Outgoing Regulator of Social Housing chief executive Fiona MacGregor has warned that “dominant individuals” can play a significant role in governance failures among social landlords. Speaking at the Northern Housing Festival, she said: “If I could sum it up in one word I would say ‘governance’,” highlighting a “high correlation” between struggling organisations and leaders who “can’t be questioned”. Ms MacGregor stressed that strong board oversight is “utterly vital”, warning that unchecked influence can lead to “pet projects that aren’t necessarily core business” and risk “throwing good money after bad”. She added that complexity, weak financial oversight and failure to prioritise tenant safety also contribute to failures, concluding: “It really, really matters” that governance remains robust across the sector.
Survey Shows Increase in Complaints Handling Following Introduction of Ombudsman’s Code
Complaints handling across English social landlords has risen sharply since the introduction of the Housing Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code, according to new data from Housemark. Its latest survey found complaints increased by nearly 50% over two years, reaching 5.79 per 1,000 homes in January 2026. However, higher-performing landlords appear to be driving the trend. Housemark noted that “landlords who excel at complaints often encourage more residents to speak up, treating complaints as opportunities to learn and improve”. The survey also highlighted record demand for repairs alongside falling rent arrears. Chief data officer Jonathan Cox said: “What the data shows is that where organisations invest in frontline teams and strong operational systems, they are better able to manage rising demand while maintaining service performance.”
Ombudsman Calls Out Landlord Failures on Hazards Ahead of Second Phase of Awaab’s Law
The Housing Ombudsman has warned of “reoccurring” failings by social landlords in addressing hazards, raising concerns ahead of the next phase of Awaab’s Law. In its latest report, the watchdog identified persistent issues including poor communication, weak processes and missed early warning signs. Housing ombudsman Richard Blakeway said: “I have concerns phase one of Awaab’s Law could have created some false comfort [that] landlords are prepared for its extension,” adding that complex cases require “clarity and agility… often absent”. While some landlords have increased resources for damp and mould, he questioned whether this would extend to “other emerging issues”. The report highlights serious cases of prolonged disrepair, underscoring the need for stronger oversight and a renewed focus on root causes.
And that brings us to the end of the March edition of This Month in Social Housing. We’re all off to navigate the new financial year as it gets underway, keep a close eye on the latest compliance requirements edging into view, and, before long, start gearing up for the flurry of conferences, exhibitions and sector get-togethers that tend to take over the summer months.
It’s that time of year where delivery meets scrutiny — plans move into action, expectations sharpen, and the pace rarely lets up. But never fear, we’ll be back at around the same time next month with more stories, insights and sector signals as 2026 continues to unfold. Until then, stay focused, stay prepared, and maybe even find a spare moment to enjoy that elusive bit of spring sunshine. Ciao!
Mobysoft AI-powered RentSense®, RepairSense®, and RiskSense® help landlords improve their income-collection processes and the productivity, quality, and sustainability of their repairs service for the benefit of all involved.