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.
Understanding Service Charge Strikes: A Growing Crisis in the Housing Sector
The housing sector in the UK is facing a perfect storm. With ever-increasing service charges, poor repairs, and ongoing delays in maintenance, residents are being pushed to their limits. In Episode 21 of the Housing Sector Podcast, I sat down with Suz from the Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC) to discuss this critical issue and the growing calls for service charge strikes. This blog explores what service charge strikes are, why they are being considered, and what they mean for residents and housing associations alike.
Understanding Service Charges (again)…
Service charges enable the maintenance and management of shared spaces within residential developments—in theory, at least. However, there is a growing concern regarding service charge abuse, leaving many residents questioning the fairness and transparency of these fees. Service charges should reflect the services provided, from cleaning and maintenance to utility costs and repairs. Yet when these agreements are mismanaged, residents bear the burden of rising costs for inadequate services. When services aren’t delivered, leaving residents to pay for something they don’t receive, one could call it fraud. With little oversight, these charges are increasing to levels that are making affordable housing quickly become unaffordable.
From Ponzi Schemes to Strikes - Is This Really The Current State of Social Housing?
In recent weeks, concerns have surfaced regarding the financial health of certain housing associations, my own landlord included, prompting discussions about their management practices and the implications for residents and communities.
Service Charge Strikes will follow…
Service Charge Factor - The straw to break the camel's back?
With the start of the new financial year, residents of affordable and shared ownership homes have been sent their service charge bills, with many of us being dismayed at the hike in fees. Service charges are often a bone of contention; many of us dispute the value for money we receive for this charge when, more often than not, services are woefully neglected.
The Service Charge: Understanding the What, Why, and How.
In this blog post, we will delve into the issue of service charges from a housing association tenant's perspective. We will explore ways in which housing associations can reduce costs, examine the impact of service charge increases on tenants, and discuss why tenants may feel they are not receiving value for money.