London councils: ‘Tenants deserve better’ in new social housing report

London’s boroughs have launched a collective new vision to transform its social housing stock, following growing awareness around issues including mould and damp in homes.

The report, led by the London Housing Directors’ Group and supported by London Councils, is entitled Delivering for Tenants: The Foundations of an Effective Local Authority Landlord Service, and is based on five foundations to support boroughs to better their services.

According to London Councils, more than one in every ten homes in the capital is let by a local authority, though tenant satisfaction is lower than the rest of the country.

Additionally, 19% of England’s social housing stock is in the city, yet between April 2019 and March 2021, 57% of all damp and mould maladministration cases reported by the Housing Ombudsman were in London.

A recent instance of this was a case in Westminster, in which the local council failed to remove mould in a home for more than two years, despite knowing a young child was living in the property.

London Councils points to issues including the 7% rent cap on social housing for 2023/24, which it says will result in the boroughs collectively being almost £600m worse-off over the next five years.

The new vision attempts to address some of these issues using a set of five foundations; vision and strategy, leadership, management, performance and compliance, and assurance.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ executive member for regeneration, housing and planning, said: “Boroughs are proud social landlords. Social housing is a vital part of London’s infrastructure that provides affordable homes for hundreds of thousands of Londoners.

“However, the social housing sector is under massive pressure. Too often we have seen examples of tenants living in poor-quality housing and receiving a substandard service. Our tenants deserve better. Everyone should have a home that they can be proud of.

“This report will help us make that ambition a reality and I am grateful to everyone – especially tenants – who contributed to putting it together.

“When it comes to deciding the future of social housing in London, national policy and investment decisions remain fundamental factors. Boroughs will continue to work with ministers on this important agenda and push for the funding required to support our shared goals.”

Joanne Drew, co-chair of the London Housing Directors’ Group, said: “No one can doubt the huge challenges facing social housing in the capital, but boroughs are working with each other and tenants to try and drive up standards. Our homes and tenant services must be good quality, and our relationship with tenants needs to be positive and built on partnership.

“As housing leaders in the capital, we’ve taken the chance to reflect and identify a way forward. Delivering for Tenants sets out our shared vision of how we can be most effective as council landlords. We are committed to continue listening, learning, and adapting as we raise standards and seek better outcomes for Londoners.”