In this episode of The Housing Sector Podcast, we delve into the critical issue of antisocial behaviour (ASB) in social housing, featuring insights from Jacqueline Parks. Drawing from the SHAC report titled The Antisocial Social Landlord, we explore the alarming reality of landlords failing to address ASB effectively, often treating victims as perpetrators.

Jacqueline discusses shocking statistics, including that 25% of ASB reports receive no response, and 40% of residents felt they were treated as troublemakers. Furthermore, we uncover how 30% of landlords retaliate against tenants for reporting issues. This episode highlights the devastating impact ASB has on mental and physical health, with landlords frequently neglecting their responsibilities, as outlined in the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Tune in to hear Jacqueline’s perspective on what needs to change to support tenants and address the ongoing failures in social housing management.

#HousingCrisis #SocialHousing #ASB #TenantRights #HousingJustice #Podcast #JacquelineParks #TheHousingSectorPodcast

In this episode I’m joined by Laura Young from Complex Asset Management Solutions to discuss practical strategies for managing housing assets effectively. As housing providers face increasing financial and operational challenges, Laura shares simple yet powerful asset management techniques that can make a big difference. We delve into how these methods help housing providers spread costs over time, prepare for future needs, and gain a clearer understanding of the true value of their assets—the homes they manage.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights, offering value not only for housing providers but also for residents. We explore how proper asset management can create more sustainable, well-maintained homes while ensuring long-term financial viability for housing providers. Whether you're a tenant or a housing provider, this episode highlights the importance of adopting forward-thinking practices that can lead to better outcomes for everyone.

#HousingSector #AssetManagement #SustainableHousing #FutureProofHomes #AffordableHousing #ResidentSupport #PropertyManagement #HousingProviders #BuildingForTheFuture #CostManagement #HomeValue #HousingSolutions #ResidentAdvocacy #LongTermPlanning #HousingAssets #ComplexAssetManagement #CommunityHousing #BetterPractices #FinancialSustainability #PropertyMaintenance #AffordableLiving

In this review episode, we take a deep dive into the most pressing issues we've covered in our first 10 episodes. We revisit critical topics such as the troubling trend of over-censorship within the housing sector and the glaring gaps in training that prevent customer service teams from asking the right investigatory questions to streamline problem resolution. We also reflect on Pride Month, calling out the pinkwashing tactics some housing providers use to mask their shortcomings.

Our episode poses tough questions, like whether failing CEOs are spreading themselves too thin, and if housing providers are deliberately hiding issues to preserve their public image. We bring you two insightful interviews with Suz from SHAC, where we discuss the Golden Web and other systemic concerns. We also confront the troubling pattern of overcharging residents and debate whether these actions are due to genuine errors or something more sinister.

Furthermore, we revisit the heartbreaking case of Clair Southgate, a vicar facing eviction by her landlord, GreenSquareAccord, who claims they can no longer maintain the property. Lastly, we push back against housing providers who have abandoned X (formerly Twitter) under the pretext of avoiding hate speech, arguing instead that this move is a calculated effort to manage their online reputations more effectively.

Join us as we hold the housing sector accountable and continue our mission to advocate for transparency and fairness.

#HousingSector #OverCensorship #CustomerServiceTraining #Pinkwashing #PrideMonth #FailingCEOs #HousingProviders #GoldenWeb #SHAC #OverchargingResidents #ClairSouthgate #GreenSquareAccord #TenantRights #Accountability #Transparency #SocialHousing #HousingCrisis #PodcastRecap #Advocacy #FairHousing #PodcastEpisode

In this powerful episode, we delve into the troubling misuse of legal actions by GreenSquareAccord (GSA) aimed at silencing the valid voices of their customers. Despite their public commitment to listening to tenants and leading the housing sector, GSA has initiated multiple legal cases to stifle criticism—both of which have been dismissed by the courts.

Key Discussion Points:

Legal Tactics to Silence Voices: We explore how GSA's management, attempted to use legal threats to suppress online activity and shut down our platform. These actions were never meant to reach the courtroom but were used to intimidate and deter.

Court Case Misconduct: We explore how, despite the case being dismissed after I offered undertakings under legal advice, GSA tried to spin the narrative to their advantage, misrepresenting the outcome and what truly transpired.

Repeated Legal Failures: The second legal case, marred by delays accusations of breaches of undertakings, was also dismissed, with GSA ordered to cover all legal costs.

The Human Toll: We discuss the personal impact, including the mishandling of sensitive data and the ongoing threat of legal action.

Looking Ahead: Despite these setbacks, further legal action looms, even as mediation is advised and offered. We remain committed to retuning our website and continuing our advocacy for tenant rights.

We ask:

Is this just the GreenSquareAccord way, or is this behaviour common among other housing providers too?

Shouldn't we be ashamed of the actions taken and the significant costs involved in trying to silence those of us who dare to speak out?

By staying silent, isn’t the entire housing sector endorsing these tactics?

Isn’t it time we all reflect on what’s happening and demand better, surely we must ensure that the voices of customers are truly heard and respected, not just at GSA, but across the board?

Join us as we expose the contradiction between GSA's public promises and their actions behind closed doors. It's time to stand up against these tactics and ensure that the voice of the customer is heard loud and clear.

#TenantRights #HousingJustice #LegalAction #FreedomOfSpeech #CustomerVoice #GreenSquareAccord #MisuseOfPower #TenantAdvocacy #LegalIntimidation #SectorAccountability #CourtCase #TenantProtection #HousingOmbudsman #SilencingTactics #PublicAccountability #UnfairPractices #LegalThreats #HousingReform #GSAWay #TenantEmpowerment #HousingSector #TenantSupport #LegalCosts #Advocacy #JusticeForTenants #Mediation #HousingProviders #LegalUndertakings #CourtDismissal #TenantSilence #HousingAccountability #TenantJustice #TenantVoices #LegalBattle #TenantRightsMatter #HousingCrisis #SpeakingOut #UnjustActions #HousingFairness #LegalReform #TenantDefense #HumanRights #HousingTransparency #TenantAdvocacyMatters #EqualityInHousing #TenantProtectionLaws #HousingRights #VoiceOfTheCustomer #LegalEthics #JusticeInHousing

In this episode of the Housing Sector Podcast, we delve into the intricate connections between housing associations and political figures with Suz Muna from SHAC. We explore the strategic appointments of politicians like ex-housing minister Gavin Barwell to influential positions within housing associations, such as Clarion Housing Group. Despite potential tenant opposition, these connections are seen as advantageous for steering government housing policies.

Barwell's political career, including his role as Minister of State for Housing and Planning and his involvement in the aftermath of the Grenfell fire, is examined. We also discuss the recent trend of housing executives becoming MPs following the July 2024 general election, highlighting figures like Andrew Lewin, Alan Strickland, David Smith, Sarah Russell, and Lee Dillon.

Key questions are raised about potential conflicts of interest, the influence of housing associations on policy, and the need for greater resident involvement and independent oversight. We also cover SHAC's summer tour, where protests outside major housing providers have united residents and pressured organisations like Southern Housing to reconsider service charge calculations.

Tune in for an insightful discussion on the complex web of politics and housing, and the ongoing efforts to advocate for tenant rights.

#HousingSectorPodcast #GoldenWeb #SuzMuna #SHAC #GavinBarwell #ClarionHousing #HousingPolicy #GrenfellFire #PoliticalInfluence #HousingAssociations #TenantRights #ConflictOfInterest #IndependentOversight #ResidentInvolvement #HousingExecutives #July2024Election #LabourMPs #LiberalDemocrats #HousingProtests #ServiceCharges

In this episode, we sit down with Clair Southgate, a dedicated volunteer vicar and teaching assistant, who faces the heartbreaking reality of being forced to leave her home of over 20 years. Clair shares her story of receiving a sudden letter from GreenSquareAccord, informing her that her home would be sold, without any further communication for five agonising weeks.

Despite promises from GreenSquareAccord to provide the statutory relocation grant, Clair's home, reportedly in better condition than others in the area, is inexplicably targeted for sale. GreenSquareAccord's inability to explain why Clair’s home must be sold, while damp homes in the village remain untouched, raises serious questions about their decision-making process. Their uncertain hopes of finding another resident willing to move to allow Clair to stay within her parish only add to the community's distress.

This episode delves deep into the mental health impact of this uncertainty on Clair and her community. We explore whether GreenSquareAccord is stigmatising residents of social housing and discuss the broader implications of their actions. Clair's home, which is economical to heat, is deemed otherwise by GreenSquareAccord, further complicating the situation.

We highlight a crucial message to Ruth Cooke, CEO of GreenSquareAccord: start treating people as people. The podcast raises poignant questions about whether tenants should be given the first right to buy and emphasises the human cost of these housing decisions.

We also address the broader housing sector, emphasising that other housing providers facing similar decisions must learn from this situation. It's imperative that they adopt better practices to support their tenants, ensuring transparency, communication, and empathy in their processes. The learnings from Clair’s experience are crucial for fostering trust and stability within communities.

Join us as we uncover the human stories behind housing policies and advocate for a more compassionate approach. This is the human cost. Is there anything anyone can do? Listen in to find out.

#HousingSector #Podcast #HumanCost #ClairSouthgate #VolunteerVicar #TeachingAssistant #GreenSquareAccord #CommunityImpact #HousingCrisis #SocialHousing #MentalHealth #TenantRights #RelocationGrant #AffordableHousing #HousingSupport #RightToBuy #Homeownership #HousingPolicy #CommunitySupport #HousingAdvocacy

In this episode, we support Bayo Dosunmu, CEO of Lambeth Council, following his arrest, and question the relevance of his Nigerian heritage in news reports. We then explore the critical issues of housing rents and service charges, highlighting cases of overcharges by UK social housing providers.

Clarion Housing Group, Your Housing Group, MTVH, Peabody, Southern Housing Group, Notting Hill Genesis, One Housing, and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust.

Advice on navigating service charge disputes, joining resident groups, and seeking legal support.

#HousingSector #RentOvercharge #ServiceCharges #SocialHousing #TenantRights #ClarionHousingGroup #YourHousingGroup #MetropolitanThamesValleyHousing #MTVH #Peabody #SouthernHousingGroup #NottingHillGenesis #OneHousing #JosephRowntreeHousingTrust #TenantSupport #SHAC #Section22 #LeaseholderRights #HousingTransparency #HousingAdvocacy #LegalAid #FirstTierTribunal #HousingPodcast

In Episode 6 of the Housing Sector Podcast, titled "Is To Succeed To Fail?", we dive into the critical aspects of the housing sector and what success truly means in this context.

I discuss my extensive background in improving customer service for brands like Porsche, BMW, and Lexus, where senior leaders focused more on their failures than their successes. By focusing on the shortfall, we can drive real success.

We tackle the complex issues of funding and grants for new housing developments, questioning whether these financial tools are truly benefiting communities as intended. The episode also sheds light on the controversial "Service Charge Swindle," where residents often pay for services they don't receive, leading to unsafe and uninhabitable living conditions.

We explore the unfortunate trend of selling deteriorated properties due to prolonged neglect, a practice that not only undermines community stability but also raises ethical concerns about the priorities of housing providers.

Through a critical examination of recent news articles from the BBC, we highlight the devastating impact of these sales on local communities.

Join us as we question if these issues represent a larger scandal within the housing sector and preview our upcoming focus on the challenges faced by GreenSquareAccord residents.

Don’t miss this insightful discussion on the real costs of success and failure in housing.

#HousingSectorPodcast #HousingCrisis #CustomerService #HousingFunding #ServiceCharge #PropertyMaintenance #CommunityImpact #RealEstateScandal #AffordableHousing #GreenSquareAccord #ResidentRights #HousingNeglect #PodcastEpisode #PropertyManagement #SocialHousing #HousingPolicy #ResidentAdvocacy #RealEstateEthics #CommunitySupport #HousingSolutions