The Housing Ombudsman Service will carry out a special investigation into Lewisham Council after complaints against the provider revealed a high maladministration rate, as well as a “significant number” of severe maladministration findings and some compliance issues.

Lewisham Council’s maladministration rate for the last 12 months stands at 85% and the Ombudsman has issued 16 severe maladministration findings. Its maladministration rate for leaks, damp and mould is 90%.

This investigation follows Lewisham Council’s self-referral to the Regulator of Social Housing in December of the previous year, due to a potential breach of the consumer standards and concerns about the condition of some of its housing stock.