"A south London council has widespread failings in its accommodation, with a "poor culture" in danger of being "defensive" the Housing Ombudsman has found. In 92% of cases managed by Lewisham Council, there were "serious issues" including major delays in tackling hazards that could be detrimental to residents' health. The ombudsman also found nearly a quarter of homes in the borough fell below the Decent Homes Standard as of September 2024 more than double the London average."
"In one case, a resident with three vulnerable children, including one who had a life threatening brain tumour, had repeatedly contacted the council after it had failed to fix ongoing issues with damp and mould in the property. The report found that the local authority took over 32 months to complete some of the extensive list of repairs needed, with follow up works on damp being "abandoned without explanation"."
Lewisham Council's housing service had serious issues in 92% of reviewed cases, including major delays addressing hazards harmful to residents' health. The Housing Ombudsman identified nearly a quarter of homes fell below the Decent Homes Standard in September 2024, more than double the London average. Investigations of 28 cases between July and October 2024 revealed nine incidents of severe maladministration, mainly caused by leaks, damp and mould. Case numbers fell from 3,295 open at the end of September 2024 to 1,794 by the end of July 2025. Some repairs took over 32 months, with follow-up damp works abandoned without explanation. The council acknowledged significant impact and implemented remedial measures.
Read at www.bbc.com
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