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More than 250 tenants will meet today (26 November) to launch a group which will directly impact the Government’s plans to improve social housing conditions and transform the sector.
Members of Social Housing Quality Residents will share their experiences with ministers, inform policy changes and ensure that residents’ voices are properly heard as the Government drives forward its social housing reforms.
The launch follows the Housing Secretary’s action, which was announced this week against Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) for failing to treat dangerous mold, which led to the tragic death of Awab Ishaq.
In a crackdown on poor standards, Michael Gove has stripped housing associations of new taxpayer funding for housing – until the social housing regulator completes its investigation and RBH can prove it is a responsible landlord.
This serves as a warning to other housing providers, with Gove set to take strong action against those who evict tenants.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove said:
This Government will not stand for any tenant to be mistreated and we are taking action to ensure they get the safe and decent homes they deserve.
For too long, tenants have been denied a proper voice – this ends today. Our new residents’ panel will ensure that tenants are at the heart of social housing reform.
I look forward to working with the Panel to radically raise the standard of social housing across the country.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove and Bybrook’s Social Housing Minister Baroness Scott will attend the launch event to thank residents for their important contribution to the Government’s work to improve social housing for tenants. Ahead of the launch, panelists from across the country shared their views and hopes for the panel:
Emma from East of England said:
I want to bring back strong relationships between tenants and their housing associations.
The quality of repairs has also become an issue, with items being replaced for lesser quality and the tenant being expected to accept it into their home.
Social landlords need to be more involved with their tenants and rebuild fractured relationships.
Roy from East Midlands said:
I have been an involved resident for nearly 12 years, and have worked tirelessly to improve the services provided by our landlord.
It has not always been easy and on many occasions it has been very frustrating. But we saw some light with the publication of the Social Housing White Paper, as we could at least make our landlord-provided services fit for purpose.
South East AB said:
I am passionate about improving social housing. I am a member of the Scrutiny Panel and a Block Representative, but this initiative had the potential to bring about change at a larger and less local level. I want to make sure that voice is heard.
Karen from Southwest said:
I want to help improve the state of social housing and also help remove the stigma attached to social housing.
The panel forms part of the Government’s commitment in the Social Housing White Paper to rebalance the relationship between tenants and landlords.
Residents will determine the direction of the panel, with options covering topics such as how to increase awareness of the complaints process or improve tenants’ access to information about their landlords.
More information:
- Panel members will engage in a series of online sessions and focus groups over the next year – with the full panel convening every 4 months for an update on progress.
- More information about the Social Housing Residents Panel is available here.
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