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.
Service Charge -Breaking Point.
In recent years, the issue of service charges has become an increasingly contentious topic. Across the UK, housing associations are steadily raising these charges, putting a severe financial strain on residents. What was once deemed "affordable housing" is, for many, becoming anything but affordable. This shift affects a wide range of people—leaseholders, shared owners, and those relying on universal credit or housing benefits to cover rising costs.
Rent & Service (miss)charges
Over the past year, numerous UK social housing providers have been implicated in overcharging residents for rent and service charges. These issues have led to significant financial burdens for tenants, prompting widespread frustration and complaints.
Already considered an ever-increasing cost that spirals further out of control year on year, residents now have to question if they are being illegally overcharged or if these costs are simply being mismanaged. One thing we can all ponder is whether this is just the tip of the iceberg.
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…
Parallel Journeys, Different Destinations
Since 2016, I, as a resident, have embarked on an arduous battle with my housing provider. Our shared mission has always been to support residents and ensure safe homes, yet it has become increasingly evident that we are heading towards divergent destinations. In this article, I’ll delve into the disconcerting revelations from the Housing Ombudsman's report, highlighting the traits that hinder my provider from attaining the esteemed title of a "simply brilliant landlord."
I’ll shed light on my personal initiatives (the creation of two websites) in an effort to lend a voice to fellow residents who have been silenced by their housing providers. It has become apparent that while my actions speak louder than their words, as we explore the transformative journey and invaluable lessons I have acquired along the way.