Regulator confirms compliance and upgrades Clarion’s financial viability rating
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has today published its latest judgement on Clarion Housing Group, confirming that we continue to meet its governance and financial viability requirements and comply with the new consumer standards.
Following a planned inspection, Clarion has been awarded a first consumer grade of C2, an upgraded financial viability grade of V1, and has retained its G1 governance rating.
We recognise the important role the Regulator plays in overseeing and driving improvements across the sector, and we particularly welcome the inclusion of the consumer standards within the scope of its inspections. While we are pleased that the Regulator’s latest judgement recognises our continued compliance, we remain firmly focused on continuous improvement - building on this foundation to further enhance our services and meet the additional challenges and evolving needs of our residents.
Consumer Summary (C2)
We recognise that there is further work to do to increase the quantity of stock condition information across all homes and to continue improving our complaints handling.
The safety and wellbeing of our residents remain our highest priority. The Regulator recognised the strength of our systems for ensuring the health and safety of residents and the assurance our Board receives on these controls.
The judgement highlights continued progress in completing remedial actions following fire, electrical and lift assessments, and recognises effective arrangements to manage leaks, condensation, damp and mould.
The Regulator also acknowledged the efficiency and effectiveness of our wider repairs and maintenance service and the impact of our improvement programme.
We are committed to working with the Regulator as we deliver the next phase of our improvement plan.
Financial Viability Summary (V1)
As we celebrate 125 years and look forward to the next 125 years, long term financial sustainability sits at the heart of our business. It is therefore pleasing to see our work in this area recognised by the Regulator with an upgrade to our financial viability grading to V1. We also welcome the confirmation that we meet the Regulator’s financial viability requirements and have the financial capacity to manage a wide range of adverse scenarios.
The judgement recognises our strong financial profile, robust oversight, and a business plan supported by adequate funding and liquidity. It also highlights the internal standards and governance arrangements underpinning our approach.
The Regulator also acknowledged the strength of our financial management and the careful planning that underpins our assumptions, including investment in existing homes, the delivery of our development programme, and our work towards achieving net zero carbon by 2050.
Governance Summary (G1)
We are pleased to have retained our G1 governance rating, confirming that we meet the Regulator’s highest standard in this area.
The judgement recognises the effectiveness of our governance systems, the rigorous monitoring and challenge undertaken by our Board, and our proactive approach to risk management, value for money, and succession planning.
We also welcome the Regulator’s reference to the active tenant scrutiny built into our governance framework and the Board’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Clare Miller, Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group, said:
“I welcome the Regulator’s judgement and the constructive engagement throughout this process.
“I’m pleased that we continue to meet the Regulator’s standards and that our financial viability grading has been upgraded. Using our resources effectively to deliver homes and services for those who need them most remains at the heart of Clarion’s mission.
“We recognise there is more to do, and we will continue to work closely with the Regulator as we make further progress.”
Jock Lennox, Chair of Clarion Housing Group Board, said:
“The Regulator’s judgement recognises the strength of our governance and the progress being made across the organisation. We remain focused on continuous improvement and ensuring that Clarion is equipped to meet the challenges ahead.”