Reflecting on the Pan-London Housing Reciprocal
After seven years the Pan London Housing Reciprocal will be coming to an end on 30th September.
Over the past seven years, the Pan London Housing Reciprocal (PLHR) has been a lifeline for social housing tenants at risk across London, especially victims/survivors of domestic abuse and violence, offering them an alternative pathway to safe and secure housing. This award-winning scheme has not only transformed lives but has also built a legacy of collaboration, learning and innovation. As we say goodbye to the service, we reflect on its successes and the difference it has made.
Domestic Abuse Support Worker
I truly believe the reciprocal is a valuable tool in supporting survivors of domestic abuse. It gives tenants the opportunity of keeping their secure tenancy status, preventing further victimisation and reducing stress relating to moving homes.
Since its launch in 2017, the PLHR received 3,758 referral inquiries, each representing a person or family seeking safety. 1,401 property requests were circulated through the scheme, resulting in 277 successful moves. These relocations provided 622 adults and children with the opportunity to rebuild their lives in a that was safe for them. Of these moves, 198 were directly facilitated by PLHR offers, while 79 were through the Housing Moves PLHR pathway. Each successful move ensured that people at risk could maintain their tenancy rights while finding safety from dangerous situations.
The success of the PLHR was rooted in collaboration. Local authorities, housing associations, and other stakeholders worked together, sharing resources to meet the needs of at-risk individuals and families. Despite the challenges posed by London’s complex housing crisis, the PLHR team and partners continuously adapted to meet the needs of those most vulnerable. While the scheme itself is ending, the invaluable lessons learned will guide future efforts to provide housing security and safety for those at risk.
Learnings from the PLHR extended beyond London. Pilot schemes in the North East and Cambridge, as well as the development of the Unlocking Doors toolkit, allowed other regions to benefit from the lessons of the PLHR, adapting its model to provide alterative housing pathways for vulnerable people across the country.
The Pan London Housing Reciprocal has left a permanent mark on the lives of those it helped. By offering a safe route to relocation without sacrificing tenancy rights, the scheme gave individuals and families the opportunity to start over in safety.
We extend our thanks to the local authorities, housing providers, and the incredible team who have worked tirelessly on the PLHR over the past seven years. It was your collaboration, care, and dedication that made the scheme successful and truly transformative for so many lives. We’d also like to thank MOPAC, the PLHR’s funder, for their unwavering support since 2017.
The legacy of the Pan-London Housing Reciprocal will continue to inspire us as we explore new ways to support those at risk across London.
Katie Mitchell Acting CEO
As we close the chapter on the Pan London Housing Reciprocal, I’m incredibly proud of what we've achieved. This service has been a lifeline for hundreds of individuals and families, providing safety, stability, and hope when it was needed most. The collaboration and dedication from all involved has truly been inspiring, and while the scheme may be ending, the impact we've made will continue to shape our work moving forward.
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