Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, has criticised England’s largest social housing landlord after an investigation found the housing body was guilty of ‘severe maladministration’.
Clarion Housing Group, which manages 125,000 properties across 170 councils, is under investigation after one resident suffered extensive disruptions to her water supply, leaks, mould, damp, delayed repairs and a rodent infestation.
Housing Ombudsman Richard Blakeway concluded earlier this month that in this specific case Clarion was guilty of ‘severe maladministration’ and said that ‘similar issues which may be indicative of repeated failure’ had been found and so the investigation would be extended further.
Mr Gove has written to Clarion to say that he is “deeply disappointed” that the housing association has not met “fundamental standards” for tenants.
In his letter to Clarion, Mr Gove criticised what he described as the housing association’s “defensive response” and said their focus should be on “putting things right and learning lessons”.
Clare Miller, group chief executive of Clarion Housing Group said: “We have not got every decision right as an organisation, but we are making good progress and recently published a detailed update on the actions we have taken to significantly improve our service.”