Council Failing to Meet Targets for More than Half of Leaks From Above in Council Homes 

Southwark Council is failing to fix leaks from above – where water leaks into a flat caused by a problem in the property above – within its target timetable in over half of incidents, an FOI from the Liberal Democrats has revealed.  

For incidents the council determines are simple fixes, the target is to have the problem resolved within 3 days of reporting, but the data shows that of the 15,500 incidents, 8300 did not meet that target. Similarly, of the nearly 20,000 reports of more complex leaks from above, 10,500 took more than the 20 days target.  

This comes off the back of numerous housing scandals in the Labour-run council, including the Regulator of Social Housing awarding it the second lowest available grade, indicating “serious failings” last November, which attracted apologies and concern from Government ministers. 

Jayne Tuncbilek, a council tenant living in Jurston Court, has faced multiple incidents of flooding - both from within her own flat and from neighbouring properties above. 

In one particularly “horrific” episode, water poured through her ceiling “like a waterfall” after a botched repair in the flat above. A stopcock hadn’t been installed during unrelated toilet repairs, causing water to gush directly into her wardrobe.  

On another occasion, a pipe in her own flat had “almost entirely disintegrated”, flooding the bathroom and surrounding areas. 

“This isn’t just happening to me,” Ms Jackson said. “It’s a problem across the whole estate - and probably beyond. It shouldn’t be too much to ask for our homes to be safe from water pouring in. But it keeps happening. And when the repairs do finally happen, they take too long and leave my home in a mess. It’s just not good enough.”

Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat Housing Spokesperson Cllr Emily Tester said:  

“The sheer number of leaks from above alone shows just how poorly Southwark council have managed their housing stock – and residents are paying the price. It's no wonder complaints are through the roof and the Regulator found serious failings.  

But the fact that over half are not being done within the council’s own target timetable shows that this Labour council's housing department is simply not fit for purpose.  

This is just another example of why we called for a vote of no confidence earlier this year, but after Labour shut that down, it’s down to us to fight for accountability and change, and for residents to express their views at the ballot box next May”