London boroughs commit to improving social housing services

London boroughs have launched a new shared vision for delivering landlord services for council tenants.

More than one in ten homes in London is let by a local authority and 19 per cent of England's social housing stock is found there.

'Delivering for Tenants: The Foundations of an Effective Local Authority Landlord Service, is led by the London Housing Directors’ Group with support from London Councils. The vision sets out best practice principles on how boroughs can go beyond their statutory and regulatory responsibilities to deliver the highest possible housing standards.

It is recognised that social housing faces acute pressure and research has revealed that tenant satisfaction levels in London are lower than the rest of the country.

Boroughs have highlighted that the poor state of London's social housing stock, which is generally older than elsewhere. There is also a higher proportion of flats which are more complex to maintain.

Cllr Darren Rodwell, London Councils’ executive member for regeneration, housing & 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.” 

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