We have set up a Lewisham Homes’ leasehold forum. If you would like to join the forum please email getinvolved@lewishamhomes.org.uk to register.
The meetings will be held bi-monthly. Minutes of the previous meetings can be found below.
Meeting minutes
Chair of meetings
Alan Wake FIPRM AssocRICS
Alan Wake will chair the forum meetings. Read his bio below:
I have over 20 years in the Housing Sector, working initially with Children in Care and Supported Housing before moving into Leasehold Management in Housing Associations (HA), an area I have specialised in since 2003. Having held various senior roles in the HA sector and co-founding the National Leasehold Group (NLG), I became an independent Leasehold Consultant in 2004.
Since 2016 I have been CEO of the NLG, a networking group of Leasehold management functions within the HA Sector with a stated aim of improving standards in leasehold management. The group delivers a range of networking events, training and conferences for a nationwide membership. We have also invested surpluses in Shared Ownership research and look to subsidise training and development for colleagues within the sector.
As a Leasehold Consultant I advise HA and Local Authorities on various leasehold matters, undertake best practice and process reviews, perform interim senior roles and deliver numerous training courses.
It is my belief that the current challenges facing Leaseholders and Landlords alike, coupled with a changing agenda on the tenure itself, cannot be managed in a purely contractual way. The relationship created by the lease is of course fundamental but ensuring effective leasehold management is becoming more and more about collaboration and an understanding of the challenges faced by all parties. I expect that a key outcome of the Lewisham Leaseholder Forum would be a two-way conversation that allows for effective management of relevant properties but with a mutual understanding on areas of contention. Clarity on those areas of dispute and contrasting positions is in itself helpful.
Lewisham Homes development of a Leasehold Forum is a step towards facilitating discussions and debate around Leasehold issues. The level of initial engagement is very encouraging and chairing such an initiative is of great interest as I am confident we can build a meaningful platform that allows leaseholders a voice and increases transparency.
In a previous honorary consultancy role with the FPRA I advised Leaseholders on specific problems and I also am regular asked to judge various sector awards. I am a Fellow of the Institute of Residential Property Management and an Associate Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.