Accountability is crucial in delivering more and better homes, says RSH chief executive
Jonathan Walters, the Regulator of Social Housing’s chief executive, has reinforced the importance of strategic decision making and accountability in achieving more and better social homes.
Jonathan Walters, Chief Executive, Regulator of Social Housing
In his speech at the Housing Community Summit today, Jonathan said: “we are in a world of greater uncertainty and can’t predict that it will get any easier in the next few years. There are real pressures in the system… investment in existing homes is really important and comes with a cost.”
He added “we are seeing that play out in the sector’s finances… over two thirds of landlords now have a V2 [viability grading] …but the issues are more difficult in different parts of the country – particularly in London and other large cities [where there are higher fire safety remediation costs].”
Jonathan said: “at the same time, the question about new homes remains really important: landlords have a dual ambition to achieve more and better social homes… This means the sector needs to focus on good governance.”
“You have been delivering 50,000 homes year in year out – half a million over last 10 years. This is a great achievement, but how do you continue to do that when the economic environment changes?”
Jonathan highlighted RSH’s More and better social homes discussion document, which sets out “the need for greater innovation and change” in the sector and the way it is regulated, so it can deliver more homes.
“We are really clear that this is a question about accountability; not control. We are not interested in entering the boardroom. It is your job to make difficult decisions…but we can expect you to be accountable for them.”
Jonathan added: “the sector needs to get better at explaining decisions. You won’t be able to please everyone. Boards need to have focus on what they are doing and why – and having those transparent conversations about this.”
Jonathan added: “being a registered provider means something. It is not just a badge… It carries really significant responsibilities. Building new homes and providing a quality service matter.”
Jonathan concluded his speech by saying: “the outcomes in our standards are there because you need to deliver good services to tenants, build new homes and need to deliver for local communities. Our job is to hold you accountable for that.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Jonathan Walters was speaking at the Housing Community Summit in Liverpool on Tuesday 9 September 2026.
- For media enquiries contact Vicky Moore vicky.moore@rsh.gov.uk or Christian Cosby christian.cosby@rsh.gov.uk. For general enquiries email enquiries@rsh.gov.uk