Lambeth Council, located in South London, had to pay out over £120,000 in compensation to tenants in 2020, making it the local authority in England with the highest compensation payouts, according to figures from the Housing Ombudsman. Hammersmith and Fulham council came in a close second with £120,542 in compensation payments due to poor housing conditions.
The Housing Ombudsman, Richard Blakeway, emphasized the importance of making things right when they go wrong in housing situations. This can involve repairs, surveys, and apologies to residents. Compensation is also awarded based on the severity and duration of the failings. The number of compensation orders across the country, for both private and council landlords, increased due to the housing watchdog conducting twice as many investigations in the previous year. Complaints related to damp and mould in properties also contributed to the rise in compensation orders.
Mr. Blakeway highlighted that many investigations revealed landlords missing multiple opportunities to address issues before the Ombudsman had to intervene. It is crucial for landlords to take proactive measures to prevent similar failings from occurring in the future, ensuring that resources are directed towards improving services rather than compensating for failures.
A spokesperson from Lambeth council stated that they have been working closely with the Housing Ombudsman Service and residents to enhance the council’s response to complaints. The council has invested significant funds in maintaining and enhancing council homes and estates in recent years. However, addressing issues such as leaks, damp, and mould remains a top priority, as these problems can be highly disruptive to residents and escalate if not addressed promptly.
Ensuring that all tenants have safe and decent homes is a key focus for Lambeth council. Any problems reported by residents are taken seriously, and the council is committed to resolving them quickly and efficiently. By collaborating with residents and the Housing Ombudsman, Lambeth council aims to continuously improve its housing services and address any issues that may arise in a timely manner.
