Jan Luba QC has been appointed by Southwark Council to lead an independent commission to examine medium and long-term prospects for the future of council housing in the borough.
Southwark has the largest stock of council housing in London, comprising 39,000 council rented homes and 16,700 council leasehold properties. The commission will consider evidence from tenants and leaseholders as it explores options for the financing, ownership and operation of Southwark's council housing.
Findings from the commission, which is expected to propose a 30-year investment strategy, will be presented to the council in October.
Without substantial investment Southwark faces a major housing crisis as its housing waiting list exceeds 19,000 and significant work is needed to repair and improve existing homes.
Speaking about the commission, Jan said "For understandable reasons, much of the recent thinking about council housing has focused on short-term issues. In contrast, this commission will be taking a considered and informed look at the future of council housing in the longer term."
Ian Wingfield, cabinet member for housing at Southwark, said "I feel it's important for residents to see the current housing situation has been stringently considered by people of the highest calibre and expertise."
Jan Luba QC is a member of the Garden Court Chambers Housing Team.
