Social housing tenants from across England will come together to make their voices heard and drive change, as the Government launches new resident-led panel
Over 250 tenants will meet today (26 November) to launch the group that will directly influence the government’s plans on improving social housing conditions and bringing about sector change.
Members of the Social Housing Quality Residents will share their experiences with ministers, inform policy change and ensure resident voices are properly heard as the government drives forward its social housing reforms.
The launch follows the Housing Secretary’s action, announced this week, against Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) after it failed to treat hazardous mould leading to the tragic death of Awaab Ishak.
In a crackdown on poor standards, Michael Gove has stripped the housing association of new taxpayer funding for housing - until the Regulator of Social Housing has concluded its investigation and RBH can prove it is a responsible landlord.
This serves as a warning to other housing providers, with Gove prepared to take robust action against those that are letting down tenants.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove said:
Housing Secretary Michael Gove and Minister for Social Housing Baroness Scott of Bybrook will attend the launch event to thank residents for their important contribution in the government’s work to improve social housing for tenants. Ahead of the launch, panel members from across the country have shared their views and hopes for the panel:
Emma from East of England said:
Roy from the East Midlands said:
Abbey from the South East said:
Karen from the South West said:
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 shape the direction of the panel, with options to cover topics like how to raise awareness of the complaints process, or improving tenants’ access to information about their landlords.
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