The Chartered Institute of Housing - Time to Turn Off the Life Support?
As a tenant in a shared ownership property, I've heard the phrase "Chartered Institute of Housing" mentioned almost victoriously. Yet, I've seen very little tangible evidence of their results. As someone who's been blocked by them (and we have internal emails to prove it), I'm bound to have a bitter taste in my mouth. However, let's keep it unemotional and focus on the results derived from the costs spent.
Housing associations allow their staff to reclaim the membership fee they pay to be part of the Chartered Institute of Housing. Essentially, this means that as a tenant, I'm indirectly funding these memberships.
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) positions itself as the leading professional body for housing, dedicated to supporting professionals, upholding standards, and driving positive change in the sector. It claims to reinvest its income into improving housing, working across 20 countries to shape the profession. But for tenants struggling with rising service charges, unsafe homes, and a lack of accountability, these claims ring hollow.
The ASB Issue
Antisocial behaviour (ASB) in social housing is a deeply challenging issue that affects not just individuals but entire communities. It’s a problem that many residents feel powerless to solve, while housing providers often struggle to find effective ways to manage it. As someone who approaches every topic with an open mind and a lack of prior expertise, I’ve learned that the best way to truly understand complex issues like ASB is by talking to people—asking questions, listening to their experiences, and seeking out perspectives from all sides.