Barking and Dagenham Council hosted a Leaseholder Conference bringing together council leaseholders, elected members council officers, and housing experts to discuss key issues, share information, and strengthen communication between leaseholders and the council. 

The event, held at LondonEast UK Business and Technical Park on Saturday 1 November, offered leaseholders the chance to hear directly from senior officers about key subjects including service charges, changes to legislation, building safety, and how the council takes enforcement action against fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and other issues.   

Alongside presentations from managers and independent experts, Q&A sessions at the conference provided an open platform for residents to raise concerns and help shape future housing services.  

The council also launched a new Leaseholders Handbook, setting out the rights and responsibilities of leaseholders and the role of the council as a landlord. The handbook is available to download on the council’s website.

Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, said: "Our leaseholders are an important part of our community, and this conference is a big step towards building stronger relationships and better understanding between us. We know there have been challenges in the past, and by coming together in an open and honest way, we can find solutions that work for everyone - while also pushing for stronger protection for leaseholders.” 

The conference marks an important milestone in the council’s ongoing commitment to improving engagement and transparency with its leaseholder community. 

The council plans to use the feedback from the conference to help shape future policies and ensure that leaseholders have a voice in decisions that affect their homes and neighbourhoods. Plans are already underway to make the Leaseholder Conference an annual event. 

For more information or to stay up to date with leaseholder news, visit www.lbbd.gov.uk/housing/leaseholder-services