Housing Sector Podcast #74 – Are Rent Strikes Coming?

Housing Sector Podcast #74 – Are Rent Strikes Coming?

Could the UK be heading towards a new wave of rent strikes? In this episode, I sit down with Suze Muna from SHAC (Social Housing Action Campaign) to explore why more tenants and leaseholders are reaching breaking point. We discuss the growing pressure of rising rents and spiralling service charges, the financial position of housing associations, and whether frustration is beginning to turn into organised action. We also look at the proposal for a National Housing Union and ask whether the sector is listening to the people it exists to serve. In this episode we discuss: • What rent strikes are – and why they happen. • The impact of rising service charges. • Housing association finances and accountability. • Whether residents' voices are being heard. • The case for a National Housing Union. • What the future could look like if confidence in the sector continues to decline. As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Do you think rent strikes are becoming a realistic possibility, or can the sector rebuild trust before it reaches that point? Please like, subscribe and share if you find these conversations valuable. https://shaction.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/SHAC-Blueprint-for-a-National-Housing-Union-July-2026-Full-Version-V1.pdf #HousingSector #SocialHousing #RentStrikes #ServiceCharges #HousingAssociations #Tenants #Leaseholders #HousingPodcast #SHAC #NationalHousingUnion Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366630/support]

Housing Sector Podcast #73 – The Boardroom Blind Spot?

Housing Sector Podcast #73 – The Boardroom Blind Spot? In this episode, I am joined by Hannah Howard-Jones to explore one of the most important questions facing the housing sector today: are housing association boards asking the right questions? We discuss the role of boards, governance, accountability, CEO oversight, mergers, organisational culture, data quality, AI, and why transparency matters more than ever. From scrutinising performance data to holding senior leaders to account, this conversation examines whether boards are getting the information they need, whether they are challenging effectively, and what happens when organisations lose sight of their purpose. Topics covered: • The role of housing association boards • Governance and accountability • CEO performance and leadership • Board scrutiny and challenge • Housing association mergers • Data quality and decision-making • Artificial intelligence and risk • Resident trust and transparency • Leadership culture in social housing My thanks to Hannah Howard-Jones for joining me once again for a thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion. Follow, share, and visit housingsector.co.uk — because the more people who understand what’s really going on, the harder it becomes to ignore. #HousingSector #HousingSectorPodcast #SocialHousing #HousingAssociations #Governance #BoardMembers #HousingLeadership #Accountability #TenantVoice #ResidentVoice #DataGovernance #ArtificialIntelligence #HousingManagement #HannahHowardJones #BenJenkins Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366630/support]

Housing Sector Podcast #72 - Blame the Victim

In this episode of the Housing Sector Podcast, I speak with Stephen Day about building safety, institutional candour, resident campaigning, and what happens when people raising serious concerns become the target instead of the issues themselves. We discuss: *  post-Grenfell fire safety concerns  *  compartmentation failures and remediation disputes  *  PAS 9980 and watered-down remediation standards  *  accusations of harassment against campaigners  *  councils, developers, and accountability  *  the culture of “deny, attack, reverse victim and offender”  *  why residents increasingly feel silenced rather than heard  The conversation focuses heavily on the ongoing situation at Royal Artillery Quays and the wider questions facing the housing sector nearly a decade after Grenfell Tower fire. Follow, share, and visit housingsector.co.uk — because the more people who understand what’s really going on, the harder it becomes to ignore. https://substack.com/home/post/p-197129987 https://www.businessinsider.com/grenfell-fire-expert-colin-todd-disabled-people-2022-2 #HousingSector #BenJenkins #StephenDay #Grenfell #BuildingSafety #CladdingScandal #FireSafety #SocialHousing #PAS9980 #ResidentVoice #HousingPodcast #TenantRights #Accountability #Leasehold #RoyalArtilleryQuays #HousingCrisis Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366630/support]

Housing Sector Podcast #71 The Decant Trap

In Housing Sector Podcast #71, I speak with Mark Hughes from Southwark and Muhammad Khan from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea about growing concerns around the use of decants within social housing. The discussion explores allegations that temporary decants are increasingly being used in ways that leave residents permanently displaced from their homes. Mark shares his personal experience involving disrepair, lock changes, temporary accommodation issues, and legal action, while Muhammad discusses concerns around unsuitable accommodation, resident mistrust following Grenfell, and fears surrounding regeneration and displacement. We also discuss: *  Temporary vs permanent decants  *  Repairs and disrepair in social housing  *  Resident trust and accountability  *  The impact on families and vulnerable tenants  *  Tenant participation and resident panels  *  PR, complaints handling, and governance culture  *  Awaab’s Law and housing obligations  This episode contains allegations and personal experiences discussed by the guests. Relevant councils will be offered a right of reply. Follow, share, and visit housingsector.co.uk — because the more people who understand what’s really going on, the harder it becomes to ignore. #HousingSector #SocialHousing #HousingPodcast #Decant #TenantRights #CouncilHousing #Disrepair #HousingCrisis #AwaabsLaw #Southwark #RBKC #Grenfell #HousingAssociation #ServiceCharges #BenJenkins Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366630/support]

Housing Sector #70 The Landlord’s Trap

In Housing Sector Podcast #70, I speak to Richard Duvall, a landlord and tenant caught in a situation that highlights a growing issue within the housing system. After renting out his one-bedroom flat on a short-term agreement, Richard expected to move back in when the contract ended. Instead, nearly 18 months later, his tenant remains in place, paying little to no rent, while he continues to cover the mortgage, bills, and rent on another property. This episode explores the reality behind Section 21, court delays, and the gap between legal rights and real-world outcomes. It raises difficult questions about balance, where protections designed to support tenants may also be leaving some landlords financially exposed. With debt rising, court timelines stretching, and no clear resolution, this is a case that shows how the system can stall when it matters most. If the system is meant to protect both sides, what happens when it fails one completely? #HousingSector #BenJenkins #Landlords #Tenants #Eviction #Section21 #HousingCrisis #UKHousing #PropertyLaw #HousingJustice #CostOfLiving #CourtDelays #TenantRights #LandlordRights Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2366630/support]