A Labour council in London admits that 24% of its social housing fails the sector’s Decent Homes Standard.

The industry norm for social housing failing to meet the standard is 10%.

The council in question – Lewisham – has now referred itself to the Regulator of Social Housing due to concerns about a potential breach of the consumer standards.

In its annual report it admits to some 5,000 fire safety actions identified by the council as not having been completed; and it has concerns over its accurate assessments of reports of damp and mould.

Earlier this month the Housing Ombudsman launched a special investigation into the council after 16 ‘severe Maladministration’ cases were reported in a year along with a series of compliance issues.

The Housing Ombudsman says the problems focus on how the council responded to its social housing tenants’ complaints about leaks, damp and mould.

In the council’s annual report, just released, a spokesperson says: “It is an incredibly challenging time for the housing sector in Lewisham and across the country, with huge challenges when it comes to ensuring everyone has a safe and secure home.

“Social housing is an integral part of making that a reality, I have never been more aware of our need to maintain our current council housing stock but invest in the new homes we so desperately need.”