The Housing Ombudsman, responsible for social housing regulation enforcement, is stepping down at the end of this month.

A statement from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government says: “Richard Blakeway led the Ombudsman during a period of intense scrutiny on social housing. From leading the conversation around damp and mould to bringing consistency to complaint handling across all landlords, the changes in attitudes and service delivery he has driven have been significant.”

But a permanent replacement has not yet been named – possibly, some believe, because the role of the Housing Ombudsman may be expanded to include the landlord service ombudsman role being created as part of the Renters Rights Act.

As an interim caretaker ombudsman, Andrea Keenoy – currently Chief Operating Officer at the Housing Ombudsman Service – will take responsibility until a permanent replacement its found.

Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government Baroness Taylor says: “Andrea has played a key role in improving the Housing Ombudsman Service and brings a valuable decade of experience as a senior leader helping to shape the organisation.

“I’m pleased to appoint her to this role, which will bring much needed continuity and support as we work to make a substantive appointment to the role.”

Keenoy herself comments: “Our priority is to ensure continuity and stability for residents, landlords and our colleagues, and to maintain a high standard of service. I look forward to leading the organisation through this next chapter while we await the appointment of the next Housing Ombudsman.”