Knowing the condition of the homes you rent out is a basic responsibility of being a landlord. Kingston Council has officially failed that test.
The Regulator of Social Housing has just awarded Kingston Council a C3 rating, finding “serious failings” and requiring significant improvement. Inspectors found that the council lacked accurate, up-to-date information about the condition of most of its homes. Just 15 per cent had been surveyed under its new programme at the time of inspection.
How can you properly plan repairs, prioritise investment or reassure tenants when you do not have a reliable picture of the homes you own?
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What was an even bigger slap in the face to tenants was the council’s response. Its public statement opened by saying it was “pleased to have received positive feedback”. It acknowledged the rating further down, but leading with the positives after a judgement this serious shows a lack of self-reflection and serious poor judgement.
Tenants deserved an apology, followed by a clear explanation of who will put this right and by when.
There must also be a change in how housing is scrutinised. When the Liberal Democrats took control of Kingston Council in 2018, they scrapped its dedicated Housing Sub-Committee. That body had responsibility for council housing, homelessness, housing standards and oversight of the council’s housing account.
It is time to bring it back.
Housing needs sustained attention from councillors, with the time to examine performance, challenge officers and follow up on promises. A dedicated sub-committee would provide a public forum where repairs, property conditions and complaints could be examined regularly, and those responsible could be required to explain delays.
Restoring it would give tenants a clear place to demand answers. The Liberal Democrats should be prepared to reverse their decision and accept that stronger scrutiny is needed.
The Independents on Kingston Council are also pushing for a public improvement plan with firm deadlines and named responsibility for every action. A restored Housing Sub-Committee should hold the administration to that plan, meeting publicly and regularly to scrutinise progress.
Council tenants pay their rent and are entitled to a decent service. They should never have to feel grateful for it.
The administration owes them an apology, proper scrutiny and results
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