Government Brands Housing Conditions ‘Unacceptable’ After ITV Documentary

 The documentary Surviving Squalor: Britain’s Housing Shame revealed the disturbing conditions some social housing tenants have been exposed to, and showed homes owned and managed by a number of councils, as well as housing associations including L&Q and Clarion. The conditions included leaks which led to near-fatal ceiling collapses, rodent infestations, persistent and chronic mould and fungus – in some cases within the homes of tenants who have breathing difficulties. An MHCLG spokesperson said: “It is completely unacceptable for people to be living in the unsafe homes we have seen in this investigation and we are committed to doing all we can to support tenants.” Read more on Inside Housing.

https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/news/government-brands-squalid-housing-conditions-unacceptable-after-itv-documentary-72494

L&Q: ‘Virtually All’ Tall Building Inspections Find Significant Defects

In its annual report, the landlord said an intrusive survey programme of its 192 blocks that are 18 metres and taller is “ongoing” and that all “higher-risk” buildings have been inspected. The survey programme of all blocks 18 metres or higher is due to finish next month. “Given that virtually all invasive surveys to date have uncovered significant building defects, this is likely to give rise to the need for significant investment in stock,” the annual report said. Read more on the Social Housing website.

https://www.socialhousing.co.uk/news/lq-virtually-all-tall-building-inspections-find-significant-defects-72225?utm_source=Housing60&utm_medium=email&utm_content=article_link&utm_campaign=H60 

Bank Of China Launches Into UK Social Housing

Bank of China has entered the UK social housing sector as a lender, agreeing a revolving credit facility with a major housing association. The loan to G15 member L&Q  is the Chinese lender’s first secured deal in the sector. One of China’s ‘big four’ state-owned commercial banks, the lender arranged the transaction through its London branch. Read more on the Social Housing website.

https://www.socialhousing.co.uk/news/bank-of-china-launches-into-uk-social-housing-63554?utm_source=Housing60&utm_medium=email&utm_content=article_link&utm_campaign=H60

MacGregor Appointed As HCA Head Of Regulation

Fiona MacGregor has been appointed executive director of regulation at the Homes and Communities Agency on a permanent basis. Ms MacGregor has been filling the role on an interim basis, since her predecessor Matthew Bailes left to become chief executive of Paradigm in August. She was formerly executive director for programmes at the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) – overseeing investment schemes such as the Affordable Homes Programme. Ms MacGregor has worked at the HCA since its formation in 2008 – and was previously deputy director of investment at the Housing Corporation, and head of development at large London-landlord L&Q. Read more on Inside Housing.