Residents’ voices shaping housing policy
The G15 Residents’ Group, established in 2023, continues to ensure residents’ perspectives are fully represented in Government housing consultations. In our response to the rent convergence proposals, we were one of only 14 resident groups to contribute. We highlighted the challenge of balancing the need for landlords to deliver safe, warm and well-maintained homes with the financial pressure this places on residents. As not for profit organisations reinvesting all rental income, social housing landlords urgently need sustainable funding to maintain and improve homes alongside increases in regulatory and operating costs.
Why rent convergence matters
The current rent system remains confusing, with neighbours in identical homes paying different rents. Rents for new residents are set at the target rent, but for longer‑established residents, rents were reduced by 1% each year for four consecutive years from 2016 and increased by less than inflation for a further year. The aim of rent convergence is to ensure all rents move to the target rent over time.
What residents can expect from the changes
Rent convergence will begin in April 2027 at £1 per week, rising to £2 per week in April 2028. While gentler than the £3 per week increase advocated by landlords, these rises will sit on top of CPI+1%, meaning affected households will face increases above inflation.
Against this backdrop, Southern Housing has substantially increased investment in its existing homes, addressing historic backlogs and improving safety and quality. Southern Housing is spending more per home on repairs and maintenance than most large housing associations, supported by a three‑year £30m efficiency programme.
Impact on new social housing supply
Whilst this is good news for existing residents, it is less positive for households on council waiting lists, as Southern Housing is building far fewer new social homes than in the past. As well as addressing rent disparities between residents in similar homes, rent convergence will help in two key ways.
Supporting repairs and new development
Firstly, alongside the efficiency programme, it will help Southern Housing continue to invest in existing homes. Secondly, it will increase capacity to build more social housing to help the 1.3 million low‑income households currently on council waiting lists.
As rents increase, Southern Housing’s Financial Inclusion Team will continue to help residents maximise their income, including providing support with welfare benefit claims. It is important that residents contact Southern Housing if they experience difficulty paying their rent.
The G15 Residents’ Group will continue to advocate for fairness, clarity and proper support on housing policy issues, ensuring residents’ voices remain central. Our work with the G15 will help shape solutions for the 850,000 residents we collectively represent.
Looking ahead
Looking ahead, Southern Housing now has the time and clarity needed to plan carefully for these changes. This phased approach allows the organisation to continue strengthening investment in existing homes, raise standards further, and ensure residents benefit from safer, better‑maintained and more secure homes for the long term.
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