Regulator considering compulsory deregistration of housing association over “persistent” failure to meet outcomes of key standards

The RSH said that it had taken further action due to Pivotal’s “persistent and long-standing failure to deliver the outcomes of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard" since the Regulator published its findings in 2021.

In April 2025 the RSH took enforcement action but said Pivotal had not resolved serious regulatory concerns. 

Pivotal is a provider of almost 450 homes with supported accommodation through leases mainly in the West Country.

The RSH claimed: “It has failed to demonstrate effective governance, management of significant risks and ensure its financial viability. These ongoing failures continue to put the social homes it owns and the quality of services it delivers at risk.”  

As Pivotal owns fewer than 1,000 social homes, it is a small landlord and has not received any gradings under the Regulator’s regulatory judgements.

Jonathan Walters, deputy chief executive at RSH, said: “Failing to take prompt and effective action to meet the regulatory standards, and protect homes and tenants, is unacceptable. 

“We will carefully consider any representations made by Pivotal before making a final decision but prepared to take robust action to maintain the integrity of the register and safeguard the reputation of the sector.”

A spokesperson for Pivotal Housing Association said: “We are disappointed to have received the Regulatory Judgement issued by the Regulator of Social Housing today. We have been engaging regularly with the Regulator and will continue to do so as we work to move to a position of regulatory compliance. 

“We note that the Regulator is considering the de-registration of Pivotal Housing Association as a registered provider of social housing; however, we will continue to make representations to the Regulator to demonstrate how we meet the necessary criteria for continued registration, and we will continue to provide vital homes and services to the residents we serve.”

In 2021 the Regulator decided to de-register Larch Housing Association after it failed to demonstrate that it could sustain its viability on an ongoing basis.

This led to an appeal to the High Court, which decided in favour of the regulator.

Harry Rodd