• North East Derbyshire District is one of only a few local authorities to achieve the C1 grading 
• Inspectors noticed enhanced effectiveness and improvements in key areas
• East Midlands Mayor brands regrade a ‘significant milestone’ 

[CHESTERFIELD, 29-10-25] North East Derbyshire District Council’s housing service has been upgraded to a C1 by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH).

The judgement means that work undertaken by Rykneld Homes, the council owned registered social housing provider, has enabled the council’s upgrade.

Inspectors noted that since its original inspection there is evidence of: 

• Significant improvements in property-level housing records and stock condition assessments, ensuring tenants benefit from safe, well-maintained homes.​
• Enhanced effectiveness and transparency of communication with tenants, actively seeking feedback to shape essential services like repairs and complaints handling.​
• More opportunities for tenants to influence decisions, with meaningful involvement in service scrutiny and consistent delivery of fair, prompt responses to concerns and issues.​

Rykneld Homes manages more than 7,500 homes for NEDDC and has worked closely with the RSH to make improvements needed to achieve the highest available grading after initially receiving a C2 grade last summer. 

Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, Nigel Barker, said: “I am incredibly proud of the work undertaken to achieve the C1 rating, the highest grading possible.
“Being one of only a handful of authorities to receive this recognition reflects our passion for delivering high-quality housing services for the residents of North East Derbyshire.

“This achievement means our residents are receiving the best possible care and services from both the council and Rykneld Homes, and we remain committed to building on this success for the benefit of our communities.”

Niall Clark, MD of Rykneld Homes, added: “The whole Rykneld Homes team, led by our recently retired MD Lorraine Shaw, worked incredibly hard to make the recommended improvements to take us to a C1 grading.

“While this is the highest grade available and we are pleased to have achieved it, the hard work doesn't stop here. 

“We remain committed to making continuous improvements to our properties and service to ensure all of our tenants live in safe, decent homes and feel heard and supported.”

The result has also been hailed a success for the wider region with East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward also commenting. 

“Good quality housing is fundamental to people’s wellbeing. It’s more than four walls and a roof; it is a place of safety, stability, and belonging,” she said.

“For North East Derbyshire District Council to be among only a handful of local authorities in the UK to achieve this standard, and the first to be re-graded from C2 to C1, is a significant milestone and demonstrates the progress Rykneld Homes have made in strengthening services and ensuring that tenants receive the support and quality they deserve.” 

The authority was upgraded after making improvements and working with the RSH before a review which considered the steps taken to tackle the areas identified in its inspection last year. 

It is one of only a few authorities to have been awarded C1 since the new inspection regime was introduced last year and the first local authority to have been upgraded from C2 to C1.

Properties managed by Rykneld Homes / Beth Walsh Photography

About Rykneld Homes

Rykneld Homes was established in 2007 and manages around 7,600 properties across North East Derbyshire. In 2013, Rykneld Homes became registered with the Regulator of Social Housing and started developing, acquiring, and building for sale its own housing. It now owns 140 properties (including shared ownership) as a Registered Provider of Social Housing. The company is governed by a board of directors, comprising two executive directors, four council-appointed members, and three professional independent members, including the Chair. The company is wholly owned by North East Derbyshire District Council.

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