Raven Housing Trust is a social business based in Redhill, Surrey which owns or manages more than 7,000 homes. Raven Housing Trust are committed to investing in homes and neighbourhoods to develop local communities where people want to live. The majority of Raven's homes are Reigate and Banstead but they are increasingly working in surrounding areas. Raven Housing Trust now have homes in Mole Valley, Epsom and Ewell, Mid Sussex, Crawley, Woking, Sutton and Tandridge. The majority of their customers rent their homes from them however they also have customers who either own the lease to their homes or own their homes on a part-rent/part-buy basis with Raven. Raven Housing Trust provide several sheltered housing schemes and also manage several youth centres in the area.

RSH Narrative Regulatory Judgement

• Provider: Raven Housing Trust Limited

• Regulatory code: L4334

• Publication date: 24 November 2021

• Governance grade: G1

• Viability grade: V2

• Reason for publication: Changed basis for viability grade

• Regulatory route: In Depth Assessment

This regulatory judgement confirms the regulator’s previous published assessment of Raven Housing Trust Limited’s (Raven) governance and financial viability grades (G1/V2) following completion of an In Depth Assessment (IDA).

Based on evidence gained from the IDA, the regulator has assurance that Raven continues to comply with the financial viability elements of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard and can deal with a reasonable range of adverse scenarios. Its financial plans are consistent with, and support, its financial strategy. Raven has an adequately funded business plan, sufficient security, and is forecast to continue to meet its financial covenants.

Raven continues to have material financial risks that it needs to manage to maintain compliance. Its significant development and sales programme exposes it to housing market volatility and potential reductions in income. In addition, increased forecast expenditure on major repairs and maintenance weakens Raven’s interest cover position and covenant headroom, which reduces its capacity to deal with adverse events.

The regulator’s assessment of Raven’s compliance with the governance elements of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard remains unchanged. Based on the evidence gained from the IDA, the regulator has assurance that Raven’s governance arrangements enable it to adequately control the organisation and to continue meeting its objectives.

Housing Ombudsman

Raven Housing Trust Limited (202008210)

The complaint is about the landlord’s:  Response to the resident’s reports of repair to an aerial. Response to reports from the landlord’s contractor of abusive behaviour by the resident. Complaint handling.

Raven Housing Trust Limited (202001573)

The complaint is about the landlord’s response to the resident’s reports of: A leak from a neighbouring property and compensation for damaged goods and decorations. Anti-social behaviour (ASB) including noise and nuisance. Fly tipping at the property. The landlord’s complaint’s handling.

Raven Housing Trust Limited (202103966)

The complaint is about the landlord’s response to the resident’s concerns about antisocial behaviour (ASB) from his neighbour.