Council joins national ‘Stop Social Housing Stigma’ campaign

West Lancashire Borough Council joins the national Stop Social Housing Stigma campaign, reinforcing its commitment to championing dignity, respect and fair treatment for all social housing tenants across the Borough. 

The campaign was founded in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017 when residents across the country identified social housing stigma as one of the most urgent issues affecting their lives.  

Stop Social Housing Stigma has grown into a powerful tenant‑led movement which is supported by hundreds of residents, housing professionals, registered providers and local authorities nationwide. Its mission is to challenge negative stereotypes, influence culture change within the housing sector, and promote pride in social housing communities. 

Councillor Neil Furey, Committee Chair for Communities and Environment, said: “Stigma has no place in our communities. Every resident deserves to feel respected, listened to, and valued.  

“By joining this campaign, we are making a clear and public commitment to challenging outdated perceptions and ensuring that social housing tenants in West Lancashire are treated with dignity and fairness.” 

As part of its involvement, the Council plans to: 

• Participate in the campaign’s national network and events 

• Invite campaign speakers to engage with Council housing teams and partners 

• Raise awareness among staff, contractors, and community groups 

• Use the campaign’s Journey Planner tool to assess and improve how services address stigma 

• Work closely with involved tenants to shape future actions and cultural change 

The Council will continue to play a central role in shaping West Lancashire’s work on tackling stigma.