Government to press ahead with phased introduction of Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements

The Government said it would direct the Regulator of Social Housing to require all private registered providers to meet the Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements (STAIRS) policy statement.

From October 2026, providers must publish information and from April 2027 must meet requirements on responding to information requests.

In its response, the Government said: “The Grenfell Tower tragedy was a turning point for social housing. For too long, too many social housing tenants have been ignored by their landlords.

“The government is clear that we need a transformational and lasting change in the safety and quality of social housing, which ensures that tenant’s experiences and voices are at the heart of our social and affordable housing system.”

It estimated the costs of responding to information requests would be some £16.7m over 10 years, while the set up costs for publication schemes would total £1.89m, up from an original estimate of £1.46m.

STAIRS will require providers to proactively publish certain information about their management to allow tenants to routinely access information relevant to the their homes.

Tenants or their designated representatives will be able to request access to such information.

Where it is held by someone on the provider’s behalf, the provider must use all reasonable endeavours to provide it to the tenant. 

STAIRS requirements do not override the statutory rights or duties placed on the tenant or provider.

They will not apply to local authorities or their tenant management organisations as council are covered by the Freedom of Information Act, and tenant management organisations are intended to be brought within this.

Complaints about disclosures will be handed by the Housing Ombudsman, which will be the dispute resolution body for STAIRS.

The Ombudsman can refer matters to the regulator, including where a provider is failing to fulfil the obligations of the publication scheme.

Mark Smulian