Government Urged to Intervene Over “Serious Failings” In Southwark Housing

The Liberal Democrats have called on Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner MP, to intervene following a damning report from the government’s independent Regulator of Social Housing highlighting “serious failings” in Southwark Council’s housing services. The report highlighted that more than 50% of homes did not have up to date electrical safety inspections, and that there are 2000 overdue fire safety remedial actions. 

The demand for action comes after the government recently dispatched ministerial envoys to address governance concerns in Tower Hamlets. Liberal Democrat Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Victor Chamberlain, has urged the government to take similar measures in Southwark. 

Speaking outside the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government after delivering a formal letter to the Secretary of State, Cllr Chamberlain stated:

“Enough is enough. Residents are sick of apologies and excuses. They need safe, secure homes now—not more empty promises. Labour’s housing department in Southwark is broken, and ministerial oversight is urgently needed to fix the mess.”

A Liberal Democrat request for an emergency council meeting to address the failings remains pending approval by Southwark’s Mayor. However, the party has successfully secured a dedicated session in the council’s overview and scrutiny committee to hold senior officials accountable and push for urgent reforms. 

New statistics from the Regulator of Social Housing further underscore the crisis, revealing that most tenants in Southwark feel their voices are ignored, with over two-thirds dissatisfied with how the council handles complaints.

Cllr Chamberlain criticised Labour leadership at both the local and national levels, adding:

“The new Labour Government has made bold promises on housing. Now they must prove they mean business by stepping in when Labour-run councils fall short. Southwark residents deserve better, and we’ll keep fighting to ensure they get the quality housing they need.”