Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Social Housing: Housing Ombudsman

01 July 2021 · 0 other contributors

Opened by Siobhain McDonagh Lab Mitcham and Morden

Housing

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Siobhain McDonagh raised concerns about social housing: housing ombudsman in the House of Commons. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Siobhain McDonagh highlighted severe disrepair issues in social housing estates managed by Clarion Housing Association, citing problems like mould, damp, and electrical issues.
  • Luke Hall acknowledged the issues raised and detailed ongoing investigations and regulatory actions by the Regulator of Social Housing and the Housing Ombudsman Service.
  • The Minister committed to strengthening consumer regulation, improving home quality and safety, and enhancing resident satisfaction measures.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Siobhain McDonagh Lab Mitcham and Morden

Siobhain McDonagh highlighted the severe disrepair in social housing estates, particularly focusing on the Eastfields estate managed by Clarion Housing Association. She described numerous cases of tenants facing mould, damp, electrical issues, and other living conditions that were uninhabitable. The MP emphasised the inefficacy of existing complaint processes, which require patience and persistence from residents to no avail. McDonagh urged the government to expedite legislative changes proposed in the White Paper for improved regulation and resident redress.

Government Response

Luke Hall

Luke Hall responded by acknowledging the critical issues raised regarding social housing disrepair and tenant complaints. He detailed ongoing investigations, regulatory actions by the Regulator of Social Housing and the Housing Ombudsman Service, as well as reforms proposed in the White Paper to improve standards, redress mechanisms, and resident satisfaction measures. The Minister committed to strengthening consumer regulation, improving home quality and safety, and rebalancing landlord-tenant relationships. He also mentioned plans for a communication campaign to increase awareness of complaint procedures and promised to meet with McDonagh to discuss further details.

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