Information for secure tenants, leaseholders and temporary accommodation and Seaside Homes residents on the work we're doing to improve the safety of our large panel system blocks.
Following updated national guidance under the Building Safety Act 2022 and Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, we carried out detailed structural surveys of the Large Panel System (LPS) blocks.
The 8 LPS buildings are:
These surveys, conducted by specialist engineers and analysed by the Building Research Establishment (BRE), found that the blocks do not meet the latest safety standards against major incidents like explosions or large fires.
There is no immediate danger to the buildings. Measures such as bans on gas canisters and barbecues have long been in place, and we've acted on the advice of our independent consultants to introduce extra measures to ensure the safety of everyone living there.
We’ve also been carrying out a detailed review of the future options for the buildings, and a report discussed at the council’s Cabinet on 17 July recommended that we develop ‘in-principle’ plans to regenerate the sites.
The report sets out that strengthening the building is not seen as a viable or affordable long-term solution for residents or for the council.
The other options looked at were to strengthen and refurbish the buildings. However, our research found that strengthening work only guarantee the building’s safety for a further 20 years and requires significant investment. It would also be seriously disruptive for residents.
The council’s Cabinet agreed on the recommendations on 17 July 2025. Following the Cabinet decision, we are now carrying out a survey with affected residents in the blocks and people on the housing register taking place between October 2025 and January 2026.
The results will help us shape our future plans and will be included in the report submitted to Cabinet in March 2026 for a final decision for each site.
The rehousing process will be on a phased basis over several years, starting with St James’s House from January 2026, Nettleton Court and Dudeney Lodge from December 2026, and the North Whitehawk blocks on a phased basis from 2027- Falcon Court, Heron Court, Kestrel Court, Kingfisher Court and Swallow Court.
No one will be asked to move right away if regeneration is approved.
If you are a secure tenant in one of the affected blocks, you will keep your secure tenancy when you move and we will provide clear guidance about your rights and responsibilities throughout the process. Support will be available every step of the way to help you understand your options.
At the moment, rent and service charges will continue as normal. Any changes will be communicated well in advance.
While no-one needs to move immediately, if you do wish to move now you can apply for the housing register and will be given a minimum priority B banding and can start bidding for properties.
You can bid on any eligible properties that are advertised but most LPS households need one or 2-bedroom homes, and most of our available homes are flats, not houses. These flats are spread across low-rise, medium-rise, and high-rise blocks.
If you are over 50 and meet the eligibility criteria, you can also apply for seniors’ housing.
Before rehousing starts, a Rehousing Officer will assess your household’s needs and preferences. This will help us identify suitable homes for you, especially if we need to make a direct offer.
You must make a Homemove application to be able to bid. The form is online at Apply for housing.
If you are a secure tenant and need support to make an application or with bidding, contact Housing Customer Services.
Secure council tenants will be eligible for statutory compensation. This will be either a home loss payment if they have lived at the property as their main or principal home for over 12 months, or a statutory disturbance payment if they have lived at the property less than a year. The rates are set by government and are currently £8,100 for home loss payments and £2,000 for statutory disturbance payments.
In some cases, households may also be entitled to a discretionary disturbance payment to help cover costs associated with moving. This will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.
Any housing related debt such as rent arrears, Council Tax or housing benefit will be deducted from the compensation payment.
The compensation payment can be claimed once we have the vacant property back. Tenants have 3 months in which to apply for the compensation payment.
If you are a secure tenant moving out of an LPS block now and need to make a claim for a Home Loss or Disturbance payment, contact Housing Customer Services.
Under the current government legislation, home loss and disturbance payments are not exempt from consideration as capital in relation to Universal credit and other mean-tested benefits. It’s important to check with the relevant benefit advisors or the council’s support teams about your individual circumstances.
There is an enhanced offer for leaseholds in the 8 LPS buildings in place and differs for those who are resident (been living at the property for at least 12 months) or non -resident. For further information, contact the Home Purchase Team.
At application:
At completion of sale of your council leasehold property:
At completion of sale of your onward purchase:
At application:
At completion of sale of your council leasehold property:
At completion of sale of your onward purchase:
If you are a temporary accommodation or a Seaside Homes resident of one of the blocks, we will work with you to find suitable alternative accommodation. This may be another temporary home or, depending on your circumstances and housing status, a more settled option. We’ll do our best to take your preferences into account. As stated above, no-one needs to move immediately.
You’ll be given as much notice as possible, in line with your tenancy agreement.
If you’re offered a new home and choose to refuse it, the Temporary Accommodation team will discuss your concerns. However, refusing a suitable offer may affect your place on the housing register or access to temporary accommodation.
You can contact the Temporary Accommodation team for tenancy, rent and moving support by emailing the Temporary Accommodation Team.
You can also contact them to make a complaint or appeal a decision.
We can provide translated documents and interpreters. Tell your housing officer what your language preferences are.
We're encouraging all temporary accommodation and Seaside Homes residents to take part in consultation events and drop-ins.
Residents in temporary accommodation or Seaside Homes don’t qualify for statutory Home Loss or Disturbance payments, but you may be able to get discretionary support for things like removals, storage, or reconnecting appliances.