The Regulator of Social Housing and the Charity Commission have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding, outlining how they will continue working together to oversee organisations that are both registered charities and social housing providers. This agreement focuses on improving information sharing, ensuring consistent regulation, and enabling early intervention when risks arise. Both regulators will share data to identify issues such as financial mismanagement or governance failures at an early stage, and they have committed to reviewing the agreement every three years or after significant legislative changes.
Why This Matters for the Housing Sector
For housebuilders, estate agents, and property developers, this collaboration signals a broader trend toward tighter governance and compliance across the housing sector. If you partner with housing associations that operate as charities, expect more rigorous checks and greater transparency requirements. Developers offering lease-based arrangements to charitable housing providers should take note of the Charity Commission’s warnings about the risks involved, including complex obligations and financial exposure. Seeking professional advice before entering such agreements is strongly recommended. Poor governance in partner organisations can also create reputational risks for your projects, making due diligence more important than ever.
The Bigger Regulatory Picture
This renewed focus on oversight aligns with the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, which strengthened consumer standards and enforcement powers. Together, these developments show that regulatory collaboration is here to stay, and similar frameworks could extend to other housing-related partnerships in the future.
What You Should Do Now
Now is the time to review your governance practices and audit your partnerships. Check whether any housing associations you work with are registered charities and understand their compliance obligations. Ensure your own financial controls and reporting processes meet best practice standards, as regulators increasingly expect transparency across the supply chain.
