| 25th January 2025 |
| In this issue: – Podcast: Housing Sector & SHAC – Peabody Campaign Success – SHAC on BBC Radio Surrey – SHAC Article: Hard Graft Exhibition – SHAC in the Press: Housing Shortages – London Assembly Service Charge Survey – SHAC Meeting – 6.30pm, Thursday 30th January |
 Listen Here! Podcast: Housing Sector and SHAC In this episode of the Housing Sector Podcast, we join Ben Jenkins to discuss the ongoing service charge crisis. Residents across the country are facing ever-increasing service charges, often while enduring poor repairs and significant delays in maintenance. These mounting issues could push many residents to consider withholding payment. We explore what residents can do, how to navigate this difficult situation, and why the housing sector needs urgent reform. Don’t miss this important conversation about the future of service charges and what it means for residents and housing associations alike. Please like and share: Facebook – BlueSky – Twitter – Instagram Find out more about withholding payment here. |
 Peabody: Success for Campaigners Congratulations to Mary and other campaigners from Peabody estates in Hackney who have successfully exposed the misuse of social housing. The campaign began when residents were alerted to a Peabody home listed on AirBnB (holiday home site). The home is specially adapted for wheelchair users and those with mobility problems. Mary Pimm, SHAC member and chair of the Victoria Park Community Association, highlighted the desparate need for social housing that is accessible to disabled people, including a local resident with multiple health problems. Thanks to Mary and local campaigners, the matter is now being investigated locally by Hackney Council and Peabody, but a Metropolitan Police inquiry has also been launched extending across London. The action was reported in The Evening Standard. |
 Listen Here! SHAC on BBC Radio Surrey BBC Radio Surrey reported on a story about failures within Guildford council housing department, particularly a lack of controls over contractors and shoddy repairs. They invited SHAC to comment on the difficulties experienced by tenants and residents trying to get landlords to take action and deal effectively with complaints, and the toll it takes on those experiencing the brunt of problems. Please like and share: Facebook – BlueSky – Twitter – Instagram |
 Read it Here! Hard Graft Exhibition: An Invitation SHAC blogger Carl Davis takes a look at the Hard Graft exhibition at the Wellcome Collection. The items on display chart the impact of work on health, particularly on exploited and underrepresented workers, who they are, and where the unrecognised hard graft takes place. Carl would like to hear from others interested in curating a similar exhibition on the impact of social housing on the minds and bodies – both positive and negative – of those with lived experience of the sector. Contact shac.action@gmail.com to express your interest. Please like and share: Facebook – BlueSky – Twitter – Instagram |
 Read it Here! SHAC in the Press: Housing Shortages The Okehampton Times invited SHAC to comment on the record number of people on council waiting lists in Torridge – a familiar story across the UK. Torridge in North Devon is not an urban area and does not have the pressures on housing that occur in the inner cities, yet it has experienced its highest number of people registering for a council home since records began. We highlight the flawed logic of government housing policy, and stress that Government should act to prevent rocketing rents which push people onto local authority waiting lists. Please like and share: Facebook – BlueSky – Twitter – Instagram |
 Take the Survey Here! London Assembly Service Charge Survey After we gave evidence to the London Assembly at the hearing last year, they have asked SHAC to share their service charges survey. Don’t be put off by the title or introductory text: it is for full renters, shared owners and leaseholders (not just leaseholders). It is also for all three landlord types – council, housing association and private. The survey is part of the Assembly’s wider investigation into service charges, and a report will be produced later this year. |
 SHAC Campaign Update Meeting Our monthly SHAC meetings report on progress across all campaigns and allow members to share actions and events: 6.30pm, Thursday 30th January 2025 Zoom link ~ ID: 823 4952 0596 ~ Passcode: 656982 Add to calendar The times and dates for all 2025 monthly meetings are all available on our Events page. |