Council threatens legal action against housing estate board if it fails to address “serious concerns”

According to the BBC, occupants of the Loughborough Estate near Brixton said they had been dealing with severe health and safety risks, including sewage leaks, damp, mould and flooding in their homes for years.

They claimed the problems were the result of years of financial mismanagement by LEMB, and said there had been limited support from the council.

In a letter to residents, the council said it has been trying to engage with the board’s leadership for some time, but requests for action have either been “ignored or not properly addressed”.

As a result, Lambeth has formally written to the board’s leadership insisting they take “several important steps” so that residents have a clear and fair say about how the estate is managed. These include:

• Re-running a Continuation Ballot which complies with the terms of the management agreement. This will give all residents the opportunity to have a say on the effectiveness of the LEMB's management of the estate and whether they want LEMB to continue managing the estate or whether management should return to Lambeth Council.
• Sharing Periodic Review with residents. Before the ballot takes place, all tenants and leaseholders must receive a copy of the full audit so they can make an informed decision when voting. The Periodic Review identified multiple and serious failings in LEMB’s management and governance.
• Allowing all eligible residents who apply to LEMB to become shareholders which provides them with rights to vote at general meetings.

The council warned that if LEMB does not act within 14 days, it is prepared to take the matter to the High Court “to ensure these actions take place”.

Cllr Danny Adilypour, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment and New Homes said: “The council’s priority is to ensure that the estate is managed in a way that is transparent, accountable and that all residents’ voices are heard.

“We insist that LEMB take these steps so residents have the information and opportunity they need to participate in decisions about the future management of their estate.

“If these steps are not taken, we are prepared to pursue legal action to ensure residents’ rights are protected.”

Loughborough Estate Management Board has been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson