Practical wins, proud community

For twenty-nine years, Cowley has been run by residents for residents. We now manage 560 homes, including 45 sheltered homes at The Cloisters, and we’re heading towards our 30th anniversary in 2026 with momentum and a clear plan.

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At-a-glance: the year in numbers

• Rent collected: 106.64% in Q4 against a 98.5% target — strong arrears recovery and a well-managed rent book.
• Service charges: Above the 105% target every quarter after March 2024; standout 132.98% in Q1.
• Repairs delivered on time: Met or beat the 90% target each quarter.
• Repairs satisfaction: 100% in every quarter reported.
• Gas safety: All tenanted homes held valid certificates by 31 March 2025.
• Finances: £16k surplus; £273k reserves (≈25% of annual allowance); £1.095m allowance income. The Board continues to commit at least 10% of any surplus to community benefit.
• Independent assurance: Lambeth’s client team confirms all KPIs met; 2nd of 9 TMOs for rent and 5th of 9 for service charge collection.

What we delivered together

Essential support, week in, week out. The Cowley Food Hub, born in the first weeks of lockdown, still runs every Thursday and remains vital during the cost-of-living crisis — with thanks to our partners and resident donors.

A connected community. From Summer Fun Day, Eid and Easter to Santa’s Grotto and coach trips, our events kept neighbours connected — alongside back-to-school and youth vouchers that reached 130+ young people.

Better comms. We increased newsletters from four to six a year, introduced a CRM for estate-wide texts, keep information flowing via noticeboards and a community WhatsApp group, refreshed cowleyrmo.co.uk, and are preparing LinkedIn.

Safe homes and respectful streets

Between April and September 2025, we handled 22 ASB cases, working with residents, the Safer Neighbourhoods Team, Lambeth’s Noise Nuisance Team and the Met. Actions ranged from warning letters and support-worker referrals to legal escalation; we’ll continue proactive engagement, education on tenancy responsibilities, and targeted monitoring.

Where your money went

Headline figures for the year ending 31 March 2025: total income £1.167m (of which £1.095m allowances), total expenditure £1.151m, £16k surplus; year-end reserves £273k. The Board’s pledge stands — a minimum 10% of any surplus goes back into community benefit.

Estate upgrades and major works

• Perimeter gates on Brixton Road: Quotations approved; installation due to start imminently.
• Perimeter fencing: Improvements included in works arising from insurance inspections.
• Front doors: Tenant door replacements completed; leaseholder consultation next to ensure fire-safe compliance.
• Block refurbishments: We’re pushing to programme full refurbishment of the remaining eight blocks with Lambeth.

AGM decisions that matter

Shareholders adopted the audited accounts, voted unanimously to re-tender the auditors, and confirmed Board membership (with three vacancies noted). The meeting also recorded a unanimous vote for Cowley RMO to continue managing the estate.

How to get involved

Cowley is resident-led by design. Become a shareholder for £1 to vote, join subcommittees and take part in decisions. Board meetings run every six weeks, with training and induction for new members. The estate office is open 8:00–16:00, Monday–Friday.

• Visit cowleyrmo.co.uk for updates.
• Email DHSCowley1@lambeth.gov.uk or call 0207 926 0690.

A Call to Residents

Pam’s message is one of gratitude and invitation:

We live here too. We’ll keep improving, keep listening, and keep making Cowley safer, stronger and more welcoming for everyone. Together we are stronger.

Read the full report