New Interim Housing Ombudsman Appointed to Enhance Tenant Support in the UK

The government has announced the appointment of Andrea Keenoy as the new Interim Housing Ombudsman. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at the Housing Ombudsman Service, Andrea brings over ten years of invaluable experience with the organisation, having joined in 2015.

During her tenure, she has played a pivotal role in implementing significant changes, including the expansion of the organisation and enhancements to the processes for handling complaints. Andrea will officially assume her role as Interim Housing Ombudsman on 1 August 2026, as the government works to find a permanent successor to Richard Blakeway, who will step down on 31 July 2026.

Recognising Leadership and Experience

The Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government, Baroness Taylor, expressed her confidence in Andrea’s capabilities, stating, “Andrea has played a key role in improving the Housing Ombudsman Service and brings a valuable decade of experience as a senior leader helping to shape the organisation.” She added that the appointment would provide essential continuity and support during the transition to a substantive appointment.

Baroness Taylor also took the opportunity to acknowledge Richard Blakeway’s contributions during his leadership, particularly in a time marked by increasing demand and significant changes in the sector.

Prioritising Stability and High Standards

In her initial comments following the announcement, Andrea Keenoy emphasised her commitment to ensuring continuity and stability for residents, landlords, and the organisation’s staff. She noted the importance of maintaining high service standards during this transitional period.

Richard Blakeway’s leadership has been marked by a period of heightened scrutiny within the social housing sector. He has been instrumental in addressing critical issues such as damp and mould, as well as fostering greater consistency in complaint handling across various landlords. The progress made under his guidance has been substantial.

Looking Ahead

As she prepares to lead the organisation into this new chapter, Andrea Keenoy expressed her eagerness to continue the work initiated by her predecessor while awaiting the appointment of the next Housing Ombudsman. The role of the Housing Ombudsman is crucial, serving as an independent entity that investigates complaints from residents in social housing. This includes addressing concerns related to damp, repairs, and the treatment of tenants by landlords, ensuring that appropriate actions are taken to rectify any issues.