Tenants and leaseholders to have their say about Lewisham Homes housing management proposal
Lewisham Homes tenants and leaseholders are being urged to have their say about proposals to bring housing management under the direct control of Lewisham Council.
The Council thinks bringing housing management under its direct control would improve services for residents by providing a more joined up service; provide better value for money by avoiding duplicating services and give residents increased democratic oversight.
Tenants and leaseholders will receive a copy of a short survey and information to help them make a decision, posted to their home. The letter will include a code to allow them to respond online – or they can return the survey by Freepost if they prefer.
The Council has appointed an independent company, MEL Research, to carry out the consultation. They will be holding some drop-in sessions to answer any questions and help anyone who needs support to complete the survey:
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Honor Oak Community Centre 50 Turnham Road, SE4 2JD Thursday 22 September 12-2pm
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TNG Youth & Community Centre 111 Wells Park Rd, SE26 6AD Thursday 22 September 4-6pm
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St Michael & All Angels Parish Office 1 Pond Rd, London SE3 9JL Friday 23 September 12-2pm
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PLACE Ladywell 261 Lewisham High St, SE13 6AY Friday 23 September 4-6pm
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Deptford Lounge 9 Giffin St, SE8 4RJ Saturday 24 September 10am–12 noon
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German Church - Perry Vale 50 Dacres Rd, SE23 2NR Saturday 24 September 1.30-3.30pm
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All Saints community centre, 105 New Cross Road Friday 14 October 10-11am
The Council has also commissioned Tpas, who are specialists in engaging with tenants to make sure their voices are heard. They are independent of both the Council and Lewisham Homes and are available to support residents’ groups and individual tenants who have any concerns about this process. They can be contacted on 0800 731 1619 or lewishamita@tpas.org.uk.
The consultation closes on 16 October. Responses will form part of a report, which will help the Mayor and Cabinet make a decision at a public meeting at the end of the year.
Cllr Sophie Davis, Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Homelessness, said: “This is a really important decision, so we want to hear the views of as many people as possible. We think there could be some real benefits to bringing housing management services under the direct control of the Council, and we’ve set these out in the information we’re sharing with tenants and leaseholders, so I’d urge people to find out more, come to the drop-in sessions if they have any questions, and let us know about your priorities for housing management in Lewisham.”
Ainsley Forbes MBE, Chair of Lewisham Homes Board, said: “Our priority is always ensuring tenants and leaseholders receive the best possible services, and that they are informed, engaged and able to share their views and experiences. We’re working with the Council to make sure residents are able to shape the future of these important services, and I encourage all of our tenants and leaseholders to have their say.”