Social Housing Peer Challenge has been developed within the context of the regulatory environment applicable to local authority registered providers and in the spirit of the LGA’s sector led improvement approach.
Social Housing Peer Challenge (SHPC) is designed to support improvements in the landlord services provided by stock-holding councils. It is not a mock inspection, and no grading or score is given. It has been developed within the context of the regulatory environment applicable to local authority registered providers and in the spirit of the LGA’s sector led improvement approach.
About Social Housing Peer Challenge
SHPC consists of a three-day onsite process delivered by a small team of fellow LGA member and officer peers. It provides a framework for the host local authority to:
- reflect upon and receive feedback on what is working well and what needs to improve in relation to the services provided to social housing residents
- assist with the host stock holding council’s on-going work to ensure compliance with the consumer regulation regime focussed on strengthening the accountability of landlords for providing safe homes, quality services and treating residents with respect
- ensure a robust framework is in place for the delivery of a good quality landlord service
- identify and share notable practice
- identify lessons learned for areas of challenge and apply them, as appropriate, across all main areas of housing service.
The peer challenge complements the regulatory inspection regime. It also covers areas that aren’t specifically mentioned in the consumer standards, but we believe are essential for providing a good, efficient landlord service. These areas of focus are the host council’s overall leadership, governance and scrutiny of the housing service and the council’s financial plans as well as their capacity to deliver improvements.
SHPC is a valuable assurance and improvement tool that can help stock holding local authorities in their thinking and preparation for inspection or in supporting areas which require improvement following inspection. It can also support their work in sustaining or improving gradings given by the Regulator of Social Housing.
The cost to the recipient local authority of the peer challenge is £26,000 (including peer team expenses).
Contact
If you would like to discuss having a Social Housing Peer Challenge at your council, please email the LGA’s Senior Regional Advisers [email protected] or [email protected].
Become a social housing peer
We are always looking to expand our pool of experienced social housing peers to support delivery by being part of a peer team. If you are interested in being part of a peer team, please visit the LGA’s become a peer webpage
For information about online training sessions (15 October 2026) and to sign up to be a peer, please email [email protected]
Social Housing Peer Challenge at Thurrock, October 2025
"The approach taken by the peer team was both professional and constructive. The review was well-structured, insightful, and delivered in a way that was supportive while still providing clear challenge and practical recommendations. Colleagues found the process engaging and helpful, and the feedback has already proven valuable in shaping our ongoing improvement work.
In particular, the depth of understanding of the local context, the quality of the conversations with staff, members and residents, and the clarity of the final feedback were greatly appreciated. The review has given us confidence in our strengths and a clear direction for where we can continue to improve.
"The time, expertise and professionalism of the team made a real difference, and we are very grateful for the support provided."
Claire Demmel, Executive Director of Place, Thurrock Council
