Tonic Housing, chaired by former Islington Council leader Terry Stacy, had registration approved on 3 July
The UK’s first LGBTQ+-specific housing association has officially become a registered provider of social housing.
Tonic Housing described the registration as “a major step forward” in its mission to create “inclusive, affirming retirement communities where older LGBTQ+ people can live with the security, dignity and pride they deserve.” The Regulator of Social Housing approved the landlord’s registration on 3 July.
Tonic Housing, which started in 2014, founded the UK’s first LGBTQ+ affirming retirement community in March 2021.
As a registered provider, Tonic intends to deliver social and affordable homes and access new development, investment, and partnership opportunities.
Terry Stacy, chair of Tonic Housing and former leader of Islington Council, said: “Tonic is incredibly proud of this landmark achievement as the UK’s first LGBTQ+ Registered Provider of Social Housing — this is a turning point for LGBTQ+ housing in the UK.”
“We look forward to using our new status as a Registered Provider to meet the housing needs of more older LGBTQ+ people, especially those from intersectional marginalised backgrounds. Our vision is bold: a future where LGBTQ+ affirming housing is no longer the exception but a normal part of communities across the country.”
Stacy credited the “unwavering dedication” of Tonic’s former CEO Anna Kear, who stepped down in March after seven years in the role, with helping Tonic to obtain its status as a Registered Provider.
Tom Copley, deputy London mayor for housing and residential development, said: “The Mayor and I are proud to have supported Tonic Housing in delivering safe homes for older LGBTQ+ Londoners and delighted that it has become the UK’s first-ever LGBTQ+ registered housing association.”
Copley said that while London has made real progress on LGBTQ+ rights “there is still more to do, particularly in tackling isolation and inequality in later life”. He said he hopes Tonic will be able to go even further in its efforts “to deliver the kind of housing and community older LGBTQ+ Londoners not only need but deserve.”
>>See also: Every housing provider has a responsibility to act on LGBTQ+ inclusion
>>See also: London Square’s for-profit registered provider appoints ex-council leader as new chair
Tonic House’s Tonic@Bankhouse retirement community in Vauxhall consists of 19 homes funded through a £5.7 million loan from the GLA’s Community Housing Fund. The loan has now been fully repaid through the sale of 17 shared ownership homes at Tonic@Bankhouse, the remaining two homes have been let to older LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness.
Originally provided through a partnership with housing association Riverside, these tenancies will now be held directly by Tonic.
Earlier this year, Tonic published a report titled Precarious Lives, which revealed the severe financial hardship, isolation and health inequalities facing older LGBTQ+ people in London.
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