Earlier this month, the Government confirmed changes to the way that social housing tenants can make complaints about poor services from their landlords. When tenants receive a poor service or a landlord has not completed necessary repairs to their home, it is now easier for tenants to complain and ensure that things are put right.
These changes include the introduction of a Complaints Handling Code and the Government has removed the requirement for residents to need to go to a "designated person" to make a complaint to the Housing Ombudsman or wait eight weeks before taking their complaints to the Ombudsman. These changes will make the process easier to use and will see complaints resolved with more ease and speed than before.
Following the announcement, Richard Fuller MP said:
I regularly assist constituents who have been in touch when they have encountered a problem with their social housing landlord. These issues can often occur when there is a problem with the heating or a broken window and although many landlords act promptly, when this does not occur it is necessary for constituents to take further steps to ensure that the right outcome is reached. The aim of these changes is to make it easier to make complaints and get things resolved. For any constituent experiencing difficulties or who needs advice, they are welcome to get in touch with me for advice and support.
Details of the Complaints Handling Code and the Housing Ombudsman can be found here: Social Housing Complaints – If you're unhappy with the service from your social housing provider, make it right
