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Committee publication · Correspondence · 14 July 2026

Letter from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government to the Chair dated 6 July 2026 concerning the recruitment of the next Housing Ombudsman

From: Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee

Summary

Baroness Taylor informs the committee that the government is withdrawing the campaign for the next Housing Ombudsman to revise role criteria, requiring greater housing sector experience. Andrea Keenoy, current Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as Interim Chair for up to six months from 1 August 2026 to ensure continuity during recruitment.

Key findings

  • Government has withdrawn the Housing Ombudsman recruitment campaign to alter criteria requiring greater housing sector experience
  • Andrea Keenoy appointed as Interim Chair for up to six months from 1 August 2026
  • This is a direct appointment intended to provide stability and continuity during the transition period
  • Pre-appointment scrutiny hearing scheduled for 14 July 2026 has been cancelled
  • Committee chair offered opportunity to meet with Andrea Keenoy as she begins the interim role

Tone

Procedural

Topics

housing-ombudsmanpublic-appointmentshousing-regulation

Key actors

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Florence Eshalomi, Andrea Keenoy, Housing Ombudsman Service

Notable line

“| have taken the decision to withdraw the campaign for the next Housing Ombudsman. This is because | believe the criteria for the role should be altered to require a-greater level of experience in the housing sector.”

Key Quotes

“| have taken the decision to withdraw the campaign for the next Housing Ombudsman. This is because | believe the criteria for the role should be altered to require a-greater level of experience in the housing sector.”
— Baroness Taylor of Stevenage · Announcing the withdrawal of the Housing Ombudsman recruitment
“This appointment will ensure stability and continuity for the organisation to deliver on its objectives and support the service through a period of transition.”
— Baroness Taylor of Stevenage · Explaining the rationale for Andrea Keenoy's interim appointment
“She has a wealth of relevant leadership experience and her existing knowledge of the service make her well placed to lead the Housing Ombudsman Service”
— Baroness Taylor of Stevenage · Justifying Andrea Keenoy's suitability for the interim role
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Source · parliament.uk record ↗

Letter from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government to the Chair dated 6 July 2026 concerning the recruitment of the next Housing Ombudsman | Beyond The Vote | Beyond The Vote