Introduction and timeline
STAIRs aims to increase transparency and accountability in social housing by mandating Registered Providers to publish certain information about its activities (“Publication Scheme”) and give tenants and their representatives access to information concerning the management of their homes, similar to Freedom of Information (FOI) processes in the public sector (“Information Requests”).
The Publication Scheme will come into effect in October 2026 and require a range of information on governance, decision making, spending. A table outlining what information must be published can be found here.
Information Requests will come into effect from April 2027. Tenants may request “relevant information” from their landlord. This may include details of policies, plans and actions carried out in the management of social housing, and information captured and retained to support these activities.
Implications for providers:
- Similar to GDPR requirements, there will be cost implications for Registered Providers, in terms of staff time to draw together the relevant information.
- Registered Providers' partners may need the supply of information as part of its response to a STAIRs request, which will also mean additional time and cost.
- Providers must ensure that any information published or shared under the STAIRs scheme is also compliant with GDPR and data protection rules, and may need to amend or develop new policies and procedures.
Links
Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements: policy statement - GOV.UK
Social Tenant Access to Information Requirements: consultation response - GOV.UK
