William Eichler 17 October 2023

Social housing complaints hit record high

Social housing complaints hit record high  image
Image: ANDREI ASKIRKA / Shutterstock.com.

The number of complaints made against social housing landlords last year saw a record spike due to poor property conditions and media coverage following the death of Awaab Ishak.

The Housing Ombudsman Service has revealed that it escalated over 5,000 complaints against social housing landlords for formal investigation in the year to March – a 27% increase on the previous year.

The ombudsman made 6,590 orders and recommendations to make things right for residents, including ordering or recommending £1.1m in compensation, according to the Annual Complaints Review 2022-23.

The review also revealed a sharp increase in severe maladministration findings, with the number rising from 31 to 131 – a 323% increase.

The increase in complaints is due to poor property conditions, legislative changes, media attention and the inquest into the death of Awaab Ishak, according to the review.

Responding to the review, Cllr Darren Rodwell, Housing spokesperson for the Local Government Association (LGA) said: ‘Councils are working hard to deliver good outcomes for tenants – despite significant financial constraints – and are committed to improving housing conditions for all residents.

‘Ultimately, councils do not want to let their tenants down and want to work with them, the Ombudsman and the Regulator of Social Housing to deliver the best possible service.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner