Lewisham Council is working with tenants to launch a dedicated private renters’ union, understood to be the second of its kind in the UK after Southwark set one up during the pandemic.
It wants to give private tenants in the London borough a stronger voice to raise issues and help them access support and advice, and is working with tenants’ advocacy group Generation Rent to find out more about the issues they face by conducting a survey and holding focus groups.
Generation Rent director Alicia Kennedy(pictured) tells LandlordZONE it is organising events that explore private renters’ experience in Lewisham and how they feel they could have a stronger voice in the council.
“As part of this we will encourage participants to consider how they want to engage with Lewisham Council and all options that might improve tenants’ experiences, including support from and engagement with existing groups such as London Renters Union, ACORN and Citizens Advice,” she says.
“We will be sharing the findings of our conversations with private renters in Lewisham and their feedback with Lewisham Council to inform their future decisions.”
The concept has the approval of Shadow Justice Minister Ellie Reeves who flagged it up during a debate this week on housing standards.
Criticised
She told the Commons: “The aim is to provide a link between renters and councils, help the local authority become better informed about the issues that private renters face and what it can do to support them, and help renters to become more knowledgeable about the council services available to them.”
However, the plan has been criticised on social media for trying to undermine current unions such as Acorn and London Renters Union. One Tweet says: “I recommend people join this lovely bunch rather than put themselves at the whims of the same council that leaves so many suffering in poor conditions.”
LandlordZONE has approached Lewisham Council for comment.
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