Future of housing management for Pinnacle Brockley residents
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Lewisham Council’s Mayor and Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 3 December 2025 confirmed that management of 1,810 homes in Brockley, currently under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract, will return to direct council control when the contract expires in June 2027.
This decision follows a resident consultation to ensure that tenants and leaseholders had the opportunity to share their views on the future of their housing services, and that their concerns are addressed during the transfer process.
During the consultation, residents highlighted key concerns including repairs and maintenance, communication and responsiveness, customer service, estate management, and the leaseholder issue regarding the end of the £10,000-per-five-year-period cap on major works costs. The council has established a dedicated programme board to oversee the transition, with workstreams focusing on human resources, IT and data transfer, compliance and housing management.
Mayor and Cabinet also instructed the Housing service to develop plans to ensure that the PFI maintains the quality of service delivery until the end of the contract; and that maintenance works are carried out where needed before the contract expires.
Surveying the condition of homes
A final survey of properties is currently underway to make sure homes meet required standards, with ample time to complete any required works before the June 2027 handover.
We ask residents to help our surveyors by meeting appointments to let them into their homes to check the condition. Please note, the surveyors will carry photo ID and will let you know by letter in advance of their visit. We want to emphasise that the surveyors are only there to check if repairs are needed. Your cooperation is very much appreciated.
The context
The Pinnacle Brockley (Regenter B3) Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract with Lewisham Council, which has been in place since 2007, is due to end on 3 June 2027.
This contract currently covers the management of 1,810 council homes in the Brockley and Ladywell areas. The contract cannot be extended, and therefore Lewisham Council is taking over direct management of these homes in June 2027. We conducted a detailed review to look at alternative options, but we did not identify any that would work.
This decision is based on several key factors:
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improved oversight: bringing services in-house allows the Council to better meet new legal and regulatory requirements, including those introduced after the Grenfell Tower tragedy
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efficiency and integration: the Council already manages over 20,000 homes and has the systems and staff in place to integrate the Brockley homes smoothly
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cost effectiveness: integrating the Brockley homes to our existing systems removes layers of contract management, potentially saving money that can be reinvested in services
Benefits for residents
The Council is able to offer dedicated support and services to its tenants and leaseholders, including:
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resident engagement: we have resources in place to directly engage and consult with tenants and leaseholders both during the transition period and beyond
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antisocial behaviour and safeguarding: we have a dedicated anti-social behaviour and safeguarding teams to resolve problems faced by our tenants and leaseholders, as well as established partnerships with the Police, Safer Communities and other agencies in the borough
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tenancy sustainment: we have a dedicated team to support and advise tenants facing financial difficulties
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improvements in housing services: the Council is putting a major focus on lasting improvements to its housing service, particularly in view of new regulatory requirements
What happens next
We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition with minimal disruption to residents. We will work closely with Pinnacle/Regenter B3 and their staff to ensure continuity of service and support for residents.
In practice very little will change until nearer the time of the handover when we will begin to inform residents how to access our services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please check these regularly updated FAQs before contacting us.
What is happening with the Brockley PFI contract?
The 20-year Brockley Housing Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract, which began in 2007, will end on 3 June 2027.
Housing PFIs were set up in the UK as part of a broader government strategy to involve the private sector in the delivery of public infrastructure and services. They were linked to funding which Councils could only access through the PFI process. This funding will end when the contract ends.
This contract currently manages 1,810 council homes in Brockley and Ladywell. The Council is proposing to take over direct management of these homes after the contract ends. You have always been a Council leaseholder and this will not change as a result of the change in management.
Why can’t the current contract be extended?
The contract has no clause allowing for an extension, and government funding (PFI credits) will also end. The Special Purpose Vehicle (Regenter B3) was created solely for this contract and will be dissolved.
What is the Council planning?
Lewisham Council will directly manage your home, just as it does for around 20,000 other council properties in the borough.
Why is this the preferred option?
- It ensures compliance with new housing laws and safety regulations
- It allows better integration with other council services
- It reduces contract management costs
- It gives residents a stronger voice in how services are delivered
What other options were considered?
- Transferring homes to another housing provider
- Creating a new resident-led housing organisation
- Negotiating new contracts with Regenter B3 or its subcontractors
All these options were ruled out due to high costs, complexity, or lack of funding.
Will residents be consulted?
We consulted residents in 2025 in a process referred to as a Section 105 consultation. This is legally required for any major changes to housing management arrangements. All tenants and leaseholders were invited to share their views. The Council is considering all the feedback we received to ensure both the transition, and the long-term management of homes, meets residents’ needs.
What happens after the Section 105 consultation?
The Council reviewed the responses and presented a final recommendation to Mayor and Cabinet on 18 November 2025. This was approved, so preparations have begun to ensure a smooth transfer of services by June 2027.
Will there be any disruption to services?
The Council aims to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption. It will work closely with Regenter and staff to maintain continuity of service.
What about staff currently managing the homes?
Some staff may transfer to the Council under employment protection laws, but these arrangements can only be decided in the few months before the transfer. The Council will work to retain experienced staff and support them through the transition.
(Tenants) How will this affect my rent?
There are no immediate changes to rent. Any future changes would follow the usual legal consultation and notification processes. Your rent is regulated by the government and the Council can only raise it by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) which is a measure of inflation plus 1% maximum per year.
(Tenants) Will this affect succession rights or Right to Buy?
Your tenancy will not be affected by this change in management arrangements. Tenants in homes managed under the Brockley PFI contract are already Lewisham Council tenants and their tenancies will continue.
(Leaseholders) How will this affect my service charges or major works charges?
The PFI contract limits how much leaseholders can be charged for major works to £10,000 within any five-year period, and this will no longer apply after June 2027. The Council operates a full cost recovery model, which means that leaseholders are charged their share of the actual cost of major works and service charges.
The PFI contract requires all properties to be brought up to and maintained at a set of standards throughout the contract so all necessary works should be completed as part of the contract. The Council has commissioned surveys of all properties to identify any outstanding major works issues which Regenter B3 will be required to rectify prior to expiry of the contract. This is a key reason that we have begun this process well in advance of the expiry of the contract.
Any works identified and where a Section 20 Notice has been served to leaseholders prior to 3 June 2027 will be subject to the £10k cap irrespective of whether or not the works have been completed.
This should provide some assurance for leaseholders that there will not be costly major works immediately after the transfer. Any works or changes in future likely to cost each leaseholder more than £250 will be subject to a Section 20 consultation.
What will happen to the Brockley office?
Lewisham Council does not own the building at 111 Endwell Road which is currently used as the Pinnacle office. It will therefore not be part of the transfer. We are keen to hear from residents whether they use the office facility regularly. Please let us know via BrockleyFeedback@lewisham.gov.uk.
Where can I find more information?
Visit this web page for future updates or email BrockleyFeedback@lewisham.gov.uk with questions.