No second extension to former London deputy mayor’s time in watchdog role
Richard Blakeway has confirmed he will step down as Housing Ombudsman in July.
Blakeway, who has already served the ‘maximum’ two terms of three years, had his tenure in the role extended for a further year until this July.
But he has now confirmed to Housing Today there will be no further extensions and he will stand down this summer.
Blakeway, also a regular Housing Today columnist, said: “It has been an enormous privilege to have led this organisation.
“Complaints are an incredibly vital way for the sector to improve and meet its obligations.
“Of course, there is still work to do. But I know from my exceptional colleagues within the Housing Ombudsman and the brilliant people I have met living and working in social housing across the country, we are moving towards a better future.”
As Ombudsman, Blakeway has increased publication of individual landlords’ casework as part of a more transparent approach to sharing learning with the sector.
Blakeway has previously served as Boris Johnson’s deputy mayor of London for housing, chair of the Homes for London board and non-executive director of Homes England.
During eight years at the Greater London Authority, he was responsible for a major investment programme, overseeing the delivery of 100,000 affordable homes and regeneration plans for 670ha owned the authority.
He has also worked in the No10 Policy Unit and served as an election observer in Ukraine and Somaliland.
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