William Eichler 23 January 2024

Ombudsman calls for Royal Commission for social housing

Ombudsman calls for Royal Commission for social housing  image
Image: Clare Louise Jackson / Shutterstock.com.

The Housing Ombudsman has called for the establishment of a Royal Commission to deliver a long-term plan for social housing that tackles social injustices.

The current approach to social housing is not working for residents with a vulnerability and is based on a ‘narrow vision’ of what social housing is for, according to the Ombudsman.

It its latest Spotlight report, Relationship of Equals, the Housing Ombudsman says that the term ‘vulnerable’ is imperfect and needs expanding to include areas like grief and financial distress.

The report also calls for a statutory definition of vulnerability, a renewed definition of general needs, and a duty to cooperate between agencies such as health bodies and social landlords.

Richard Blakeway, Housing Ombudsman, said: ‘The effect of a combined cost of living and housing crisis has put parts of the sector at breaking point, compounded by a narrow vision of what social housing is for; one which is far removed from its conception 150 years ago.

‘This presents choices for government and society, as well as landlords and residents, about what sort of social housing the country wants.

‘This sector has a proud history of tackling social injustice and this housing crisis speaks to new social injustices in health, equality and race and it can rise to this challenge for the benefit of the country. Our calls for a Royal Commission, which is independent of government and not impeded by politics, could be transformative.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Head of Facilities Management

Redbridge London Borough Council
£89,037 - £92,538
We need leaders to take us on the journey. Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Solicitor/Senior Solicitor

City of Wolverhampton Council
£50,788 - £54,971
There has never been a better time to join the multi-award-winning Legal Services Team Wolverhampton, West Midlands
Recuriter: City of Wolverhampton Council

Organisational Development and Change Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 11 £40,777 to £45,091 per annum
Are you passionate about driving cultural change and organisational development? Do you have the skills to lead transformation initiatives that align Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
A vacancy has arisen within Business Services for a full-time Administration Assistant. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team supporting the Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner