Regulation of Registered Social Landlords (Wales) Bill

Technical Note for the Finance Committee

Communicating changes proposed by the Regulation of Registered Social Landlords (Wales) Bill with tenants

At the Finance Committee meeting on 23 November, the cost of communicating changes to RSLs governance arrangements as a result of the Bill was discussed.  Members may find the information provided in this note of interest for clarification purposes.

When asked “How well has the ONS decision been communicated in the sector generally, including with tenants?” at the EAAL Sub Committee on 7th November, the Tenant Participation and Advisory Service - TPAS Cymru responded “…… it's certainly been communicated well within the sector in terms of the professional level. I don't think there's any doubt about that. We've drawn on conversations with tenants, our tenant networks, regulation events and had some conversations with tenants at those.” 

In addition, officials have presented at various tenant meetings to ensure that tenants have the opportunity to hear about the proposals and there was a public consultation explaining the proposals in detail.

The Welsh Government has and will continue to work with TPAS within the existing contract to ensure the message on the implications of the Bill is disseminated as widely as possible.

Communicating the specific governance changes is, however, a matter for the RSL concerned and is part of their routine business. For example, 10 RSLs changed their governance instruments in the last year. I can also confirm the cost of communicating governance changes has not been raised in any conversations or consultation with RSLs or Community Housing Cymru and is therefore not a material concern.