Freedom of information and STAIRs
As a housing association we aren't subject to the freedom of information act as this only covers public authorities.
Whilst we’re not subject to freedom of information requests, there is a new standard coming in called the Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements scheme. This gives social housing tenants rights to request detailed information about their landlord’s management, performance, and finances. It’s been brought in to enhance transparency.
From 01 April 2027 tenants can request details around the following information:
- property condition & repair plans
- ASB cases & outcomes
- Health & safety performance
- Senior staff roles & organisational structure
- Spending, service charges, and performance data
- Policies & procedures
- And more
We do already try and be as transparent as possible with our customers and have a lot of information on our website about our services, actions, spending and performance which you can find here.
Whilst STAIRs requests can’t be formally submitted until April 2027, our customers can request any information at present; the data protection officer will review requests and either accept or decline them.
If you’re one of our customers or a representative of one of our customers, please contact us and we’ll review your request in line with our transparency policy.
If you have questions or concerns about your data, please contact us and ask for Lucy Scott, our Data Protection Officer, or email dataprotection@vividhomes.co.uk.
The Information Commissioner’s Office also provides lots of advice and guidance on data protection legislation and the Freedom of Information Act which you can find at: https://ico.org.co.uk.
STAIRs will be regulated by the Housing Ombudsman; you can contact them here: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/contact-us/.
The Information Commissioner’s Office also provides lots of advice and guidance on data protection legislation and the Freedom of Information Act which you can find at: https://ico.org.co.uk.
