Southwark Ordered to Pay £17,000 Over Leaking Flat Left Unfixed for Years

Southwark Liberal Democrats have slammed the Labour-run Council after the Housing Ombudsman highlighted further serious failings in how it handles repairs – including leaks that go unresolved for years, leaving homes uninhabitable and families suffering.  

The Ombudsman’s new report identified Southwark Council as one of four landlords whose poor handling of repairs triggered formal investigations and follow-up reviews. Southwark was ordered to pay £17,000 in compensation after failing to fix a leak for over five years – a failure which left the family living with damp and mould, without a functioning cooker, and with children who no longer wanted to come home.  

In November, Southwark was also handed a rare “C3” grade – the second-lowest available – by the Regulator of Social Housing, following numerous scandals and complaints.  

Southwark’s own internal review, published after the Ombudsman’s judgement, revealed systemic failures including poor IT systems, a lack of joined-up working between teams, and no formal processes to identify or escalate serious cases. The review found more than 40 visits had been made to a single home, without resolution.  

This follows earlier revelations uncovered by the Liberal Democrats through freedom of information requests that the council is failing to meet its own targets in over 50% of leak repairs, with more than 18,300 cases delayed beyond expected timeframes.  

Commenting, Cllr Rachel Bentley said:  

“This case is a disgrace, but it’s not an isolated one. Too many residents are living in damp, dangerous homes while Labour’s housing department fails again and again to get even basic repairs right.  

Two government-backed watchdogs have repeatedly called the council out, and even drawn the attention of a Government minister. What we’re seeing is a shameful failure of leadership and basic compassion.

Labour have turned this council into London’s worst landlord, and it’s time to kick them out to deliver real change. That starts with safe, warm homes, and a council that actually listens and delivers. Southwark deserves better.”