Over 250 tenants met on Saturday to launch a group aimed at directly influencing the Government’s plans on improving social housing conditions.

Members of the Social Housing Quality Residents will share their experiences with ministers, inform policy change and ensure resident voices are properly heard by the Government.

The panel forms part of the Government’s plans in the Social Housing White Paper to rebalance the relationship between tenants and landlords.

Housing secretary Michael Gove and minister for social housing Baroness Scott of Bybrook attended the launch event.

‘This Government will not stand for any tenant being mistreated and we are acting to ensure they get the safe and decent homes they deserve,’ said Mr Gove.

‘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 reforms to social housing.

‘I look forward to working with the panel to drastically raise the standard of social housing across the country.’

The launch followed the housing secretary’s action last week against Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) after it failed to treat hazardous mould leading to the tragic death of Awaab Ishak.

Ahead of the launch, panel members from across the country have shared their views.

‘I would like to bring back the stronger relationships between tenants and their housing association,’ said Emma from East of England.

‘Quality of repairs has also become an issue, things being replaced for a lesser quality and the tenant is supposed to accept it in their home.

‘Social landlords need to become more involved with their tenants and rebuild the fractured relationships.’