This Month In Social Housing: July 2025
As we step into August, the summer haze is thick in the air, though you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s more like autumn as Storm Floris sweeps across the UK. Not quite the sunny month we had in mind—where are the ice cream vans and barbecues? With Parliament in recess and many in the social housing sector are taking a well-earned holioday, you’d be forgiven for thinking that sector news would be a bit thin on the ground. Nothing could be further from the truth however and the wheels are still turning behind the scenes. Over the past month, there’s been no shortage of key developments, policies, and insights worth noting. So, whether you’re soaking up the last of the summer sun or enjoying a bit of downtime, take a moment to catch up on everything you might have missed. Grab your favourite drink, sit back, and dive into this month’s social housing news round-up…
Social Landlords Required to Provide Tenants with Housing Information From April 2027
From April 2027, social landlords will be required to provide tenants with access to information about the management of their homes, according to housing minister Matthew Pennycook. The announcement, made on Wednesday, 2 July, includes plans for the Regulator of Social Housing to introduce new ‘social tenant access to information requirements’. Starting in October 2026, providers must proactively publish management information, while tenants can request data, including health and safety inspections, repairs, and repair times, for free. This is aimed at empowering tenants, especially those facing issues like damp and mould, to hold landlords accountable. Pennycook emphasized the government’s focus on “working in close partnership with the sector” to address England’s housing crisis. The G15 group of London landlords expressed support but called for clearer guidance on implementation.
Rayner: “Unfreezing LHA Would Increase Cash Flow to Private Landlords”
Angela Rayner has rejected calls to unfreeze Local Housing Allowance (LHA), telling MPs that it would merely direct more funds to private landlords. During a Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee session, Rayner explained that the last LHA increase occurred in April 2024, with £7bn spent on the benefit over five years. She stated, “In the longer term, the only way we are going to fix this crisis is not by giving more money to private landlords for people who should be in social housing. We need to have a social housing revolution.” While Rayner acknowledged the need for short-term relief, she emphasized that LHA decisions would be made “in the round” at the next Budget. She also addressed concerns over shared ownership and the National Housing Bank.
Grenfell Survivors and Bereaved Label Block on Hillsborough Law as an ‘Outrage’
Survivors and bereaved families of the Grenfell Tower fire have condemned the government’s decision to block the reintroduction of the Hillsborough Law, calling it an “outrage.” The law, aimed at ensuring public authorities are legally required to tell the truth and cooperate with investigations, was initially introduced by Labour MP Ian Byrne. Despite support from Grenfell United and Hillsborough families, the government blocked the bill during its second reading. Grenfell United stated, “This is not just a delay – it is a deliberate betrayal of bereaved families and survivors.” The law had been a Labour manifesto pledge, but the government confirmed it would not be implemented by the 37th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster. Calls for an “all or nothing” approach to the law continue.
Pennycook Outlines 10-Year Strategy to Tackle ‘Financialisation of Housing’
The government’s long-term housing strategy will target the “financialisation of housing” and reduce dependency on speculative development, according to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook. Speaking at the Fabian Society Housing Mission Summit, Pennycook outlined plans for a renewed focus on delivery and reform of the housing system. The upcoming 10-year strategy, to be published later this year, will address affordability, supply, and sustainability. Pennycook highlighted improvements in planning applications and development site availability, noting that the government’s support for social housing providers is helping increase affordable housing delivery. He also emphasized that housing had returned to the top of the political agenda. The government aims to shift away from speculative development, which has been criticized for failing to meet the affordable housing needs of communities.
RSH Report Highlights Poor Data Management and Governance Issues Leading to Consumer Downgrades
A lack of understanding of tenants’ homes has been a key factor in governance downgrades, contributing to nearly three-quarters of all C3 and C4 consumer judgements, according to the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). In its latest report, the RSH emphasised that social landlords must understand the condition of their stock to ensure tenant safety and meet quality standards. Many of the downgrades were linked to failures in stock quality records, with some landlords not using data to inform long-term investment planning. The RSH noted improvements in landlords’ understanding of their stock, with 87% of housing associations conducting surveys in 2023-24. However, it stressed that progress is still needed, urging landlords to focus on resolving issues promptly and improving governance. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook also announced a consultation on a new Decent Homes Standard.
And that’s August’s edition of This Month In Social Housing wrapped up! While we gear up to tackle the challenges ahead, we’ll take a moment to enjoy a bit of respite—perhaps while watching the rain or dodging the odd downpour. Storms or sunshine, we’ll be back next month with all the latest news, updates, and essential stories from the world of social housing. Until then, auf wiedersehen!
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