ECONOMIC GROWTH

Complaints: heed the warnings

Housing ombudsman and Local Government Association conference speaker Richard Blakeway offers key lessons from complaints. He says landlords are too often failing to recognise, record or respond to the welfare needs of residents.

What connects a proposed skyscraper in Woking and an 83 year-old woman? Well, the skyscraper has become a focus for the council's wider financial woes since it was issued a section 114 notice.

The elderly resident brought her complaint to us because she had lived without heating and hot water for three years. Having capped the gas, the landlord only got in touch for the annual inspection. There was a striking lack of concern for her welfare as well as the health and safety risks and the case speaks to wider issues with its approach to housing.

Popular articles by Richard Blakeway

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