Public spending watchdog launches audit of social housing sector

Announcing the project this week, the public spending watchdog said the report will also consider the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government's (MHCLG) understanding of the quality of social housing, its vision and plans for reforming the social housing sector and how it is regulated.

It will also investigate the "effectiveness of the system, funding mechanisms and regulatory frameworks in ensuring homes are safe and decent" – and the pace and scale of change and outcomes for tenants.

The investigation follows a series of reforms introduced to improve the safety, quality and oversight of social housing in England, including Awaab’s Law, a new Decent Homes Standard and new Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards, alongside reforms to how the sector is regulated.

Work on the report will take place in winter 2026/27, according to the watchdog.

The NAO encouraged anyone who would like to provide evidence for the project to email its study team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Adam Carey