Roy Irwin, former chief inspector for the Audit Commission, has become the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the UK Housing Awards.

Mr Irwin, who has worked in housing since 1972, was nominated for the impact his work has had on the day-to-day lives of tenants. People who voted said he 'helped numerous councils and associations to improve beyond recognition, and he made sure that hundreds of housing organisations improved their services for millions of tenants.'