A high-profile row over social housing has reached its latest stage as Southwark Council takes possession of a two-bedroom flat previously rented by Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Jabbe-Bio. The council's move follows a 12-month investigation into the tenancy agreement, which had listed Ms Jabbe-Bio as the tenant since 2007.
The property in Walworth, south London, has been returned to its intended purpose after concerns were raised that it was not being used as Ms Jabbe-Bio's primary residence. The council's housing investigations team found evidence suggesting she frequently resided at the presidential lodge in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Reginald Popoola, Southwark’s executive member for council homes, confirmed the recovery of the property and stated that it would now be allocated to a family on the council’s waiting list. This decision is significant given the severe shortage of social housing in London, with over 18,000 households currently on the waiting list in the borough.
The repossession highlights the increasing efforts by local authorities to combat tenancy fraud and ensure council properties are used by those with legitimate housing needs. In the past two years, Southwark Council has recovered 107 properties through investigations into allegations of tenancy fraud and unlawful occupation.
Ms Jabbe-Bio had defended her right to the flat in a recent BBC interview, stating she was paying for it herself and that her children were British citizens. However, the council's decision underscores the importance of adherence to tenancy rules and managing social housing resources effectively in the face of growing waiting lists and rising homelessness across the capital.