This Month In Social Housing: September 2025
And just like that, October’s here — the sun’s gone into hiding, Starbucks has declared pumpkin spice season open, and somehow there’s already tinsel in Tesco (even though the clocks haven’t gone back yet). The great British summer may be officially over, but the social housing sector hasn’t so much as lifted its foot off the gas. From new data and policy shifts to stories that will shape the run-up to winter, there’s been plenty going on behind the scenes. So, before we all get distracted by mince pies and budget planning, take five and catch up on everything you might have missed in September’s This Month in Social Housing.
Sector Reacts Positively to Appointment of New Housing Secretary
Steve Reed has stepped into the role of housing secretary following Angela Rayner’s resignation, inheriting one of the government’s most demanding briefs at a pivotal time for the sector. In his first statement, he described it as “a huge honour” and pledged to “get Britain building” by ensuring access to “affordable, safe homes and thriving communities.” His appointment has been met with cautious optimism across the housing landscape, with sector leaders urging him to maintain momentum on delivery and engagement. The National Housing Federation welcomed a “decade of renewal,” while others pressed for faster planning reform, investment in affordable housing, and progress on building safety.
RSH Annual Review Underscores Importance of Strong Governance and Resident Oversight
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has urged landlords to strengthen governance, data management, and tenant oversight following the release of its first annual review under the new inspection regime. Since April 2024, the regulator has issued more than 100 judgements, with governance and safety emerging as key themes. The report warns that “up-to-date and comprehensive data” is essential for managing risk and keeping tenants safe, while boards must ensure strong oversight and embed residents’ voices in decision-making. Fiona MacGregor, RSH chief executive, said the findings show “early signs that our new proactive approach is already making an impact.” The regulator also encouraged landlords to self-refer any compliance issues, calling this “a cornerstone” of its inspection regime.
Housing Ombudsman Warns: Simply Adding Awaab’s Law to Existing Policies Will Not Work
Housing Ombudsman Richard Blakeway has warned social landlords against creating “Frankenstein procedures” when implementing Awaab’s Law, urging them to fully integrate the new requirements rather than simply “bolting [them] on” to existing policies. Speaking at the Housing Community Summit, he said the legislation — which comes into force on 27 October — should drive innovation, not confusion. The law, introduced after the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak from mould exposure, will require landlords to fix damp, mould and other hazards within strict timeframes. Blakeway cautioned that failing to align processes and definitions — such as “significant harm” or “triaging cases” — could undermine compliance. Government officials said final guidance would be released “as soon as possible,” allowing landlords time to prepare.
Cost of Temporary Accommodation for English Councils Climbs to £2.8bn
Councils in England spent a record £2.8bn on temporary accommodation last year — a 25% rise that exposes the scale and cost of the country’s worsening homelessness crisis. New government data shows spending has more than doubled in five years, surpassing £10bn, as over 131,000 households, including 169,000 children, remain without a permanent home. The latest figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for April 2024 to March 2025 indicate that much of the increase stems from the growing use of costly nightly-paid accommodation, which rose 79% in a year. Homelessness charity Shelter warned that “money that should be helping [families] into a secure home is, instead, shelled out on grim temporary accommodation.” Similarly, The Local Government Association called for an overhaul of outdated reimbursement rules, while sector leaders warned the current approach is “unsustainable” for councils and damaging for families.
Labour MP Highlights Political Significance of Repairs Amid Social Renters’ Shift Toward Reform
Labour MP Antonia Bance has warned that poor housing repairs are becoming a key political issue, as new polling shows social renters are overrepresented among Labour voters considering switching to Reform. Speaking at Inside Housing’s communications conference, the Tipton and Wednesbury MP said: “I think sometimes we miss the political importance of repairs,” describing how delays in fixing homes were damaging trust in institutions. She cited Persuasion UK data showing one in five Labour-to-Reform switchers are social housing tenants, twice their share in the wider electorate. Bance said these voters are “desperate to get their sons and daughters… an affordable home,” but feel excluded from regeneration plans. She urged politicians and landlords alike to rebuild trust through openness and delivery.
And that’s September’s This Month in Social Housing all wrapped up! The mornings might be darker and the inboxes fuller, but there’s plenty more change, challenge, and conversation to come as we head into autumn proper. We’ll be back around this time next month with another round-up of the stories shaping the sector — and maybe a few early signs of winter drama too. Until then, stay warm, stay curious, and keep doing what you do best. Ahoj!
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