In 2016, we set up the first ever borough wide group for housing association (HA) tenants. This was in response to a recommendation made by Camden Council’s Housing Scrutiny Committee and growing concerns that many people felt their landlords were unaccountable and weren’t listening and responding to their needs.
In recognition of the fact that these landlords cover tenants, shared ownership, leaseholders and also people on “affordable” and market rents, Camden Housing Association Residents Group is now open to ALL residents of HAs such as Origin, One Housing Group, Peabody, Clarion, Notting Hill Genesis, Central & Cecil Housing Trust and even tenants of some local housing co-ops as well.
We do understand that many people view housing associations as part of the social housing sector, but due mainly to the reduction in grants from central government more and more of them are now “sweating their assets” and moving increasingly towards the private sector. The Regulator of Social Housing also deems them to be “private registered providers”
Also, many housing associations started off being set up not by the state, but often by local groups and private individuals who were concerned by slum housing and the failure of both local and central government to provide enough “homes for the people”.
Housing Association Histories is a good website to find out more about the historical background to this sector of housing.
So, if you would like to go on the mailing list to receive an invite to future meetings and activities of Camden Housing Association Residents Group, or to find out how we might be able to help you with your housing association, please get in touch.
