Homes in Somerset is proud to back the Stop Social Housing Stigma campaign, to support our customers in feeling proud of where they live.
Recent findings from the campaign’s Widespread, Structural, Deeply Felt Report have shown how stigma affects tenants from social housing providers across the country, including Local Authority, ALMOs, LA managed, and Housing Associations, with hundreds sharing their views.
Some tenants reported feeling looked down on, with 70% of respondents saying they feel stigmatised, and 54% saying this is because of something their landlord has done.
Repairs and poor conditions made stigma worse, and respondents said that anti-social behaviour is not always dealt with properly.
Respondents also blamed the media for adding to the problem of stigma, and that it prevents them from telling people their address or inviting friends over.
There was positive news with 25% of tenants saying their landlord treated them with respect, that repairs are managed well, their homes and neighbourhoods are well looked after, and they feel proud of where they live.
Our commitment to Homes in Somerset customers includes talking about issues that concern them, and by supporting the campaign we will continue to engage with customers to hear their views and help tackle any stigma they feel.
Information provided by this campaign provides opportunities for us to speak with our customers on topics they may not otherwise raise.
The Stop Social Housing Stigma Campaign has asked the Government and Regulator to
You can read the full report and findings, along with the Call to Action here: Widespread, structural, deeply felt – Stop Social Housing Stigma