We work closely with regulatory bodies to help shape the agenda for social and affordable housing. Because of our size, we are able to devote the resources required to think properly about the development of policy at a national level.

Tenant Services Authority

Sovereign Housing Group and all of our member housing associations are committed to achieving the high standards set by the Tenant Services Authority (TSA). The goal of this Government agency is to raise the standard of service provided to tenants. It is the successor body to the Housing Corporation, and the new regulator for housing associations registered under the Housing and Regeneration Act 2008.

In January 2009, the TSA initiated a series of regional events called the ‘National Conversation’ in order to understand the views of tenants and shared owners across England, which it will use to inform its new set of standards. It will monitor landlords’ progress in achieving these standards and take action against those who don’t deliver.

At National Conversation events across the South, we are asking residents how they want the Tenant Services Authority to assess housing associations in its new standards framework. Our staff also hosted six ‘Local Conversations’ and attended landlord consultation events in London, Exeter and Birmingham.

Audit Commission

Under the guidance of the Tenant Services Authority (TSA), an organisation called the Housing Inspectorate periodically inspects Sovereign Housing Group and our members. This body is part of the Audit Commission, a Government agency that audits public sector organisations and promotes value for money for taxpayers. 

The Audit Commission provides information about us to the TSA to help it form its regulatory judgment about Sovereign and the other registered providers it inspects.