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Sheltered housing residents are claiming a ‘major victory’ in the ongoing battle to reinstate their wardens, following last week’s Court of Appeal judgement that housing associations are public bodies.

It was the verdict that around 1,000 sheltered housing residents, who have been represented by solicitor Yvonne Hossack, around the country had been hoping for.

Earlier this year, a High Court judge postponed a judicial review of housing association Circle 33’s decision to end the services of a resident warden in Eastbourne, pending the Court of Appeal judgement. The judge said there was a ‘live issue’ around whether Circle 33 was a public body performing a public function.

Ms Hossack has been given 14 days from the judgement date to make a fresh written submission to the judge on why Circle 33’s decision needs a judicial review, in light of last week’s verdict.

She said of the Court of Appeal verdict: ‘We think it’s a very sensible judgement and it’s good to see justice done.’

The solicitor has already sent ultimatum letters to the landlords of 44 sheltered housing schemes on behalf of around 1,000 sheltered housing tenants across the country, giving them 14 days to change their minds about warden reductions or face legal action.

Vernon Yarker, chair of campaign group Sheltered Housing UK, hailed the verdict as a ‘major victory’ for sheltered tenants.

A Circle Anglia spokesperson said the landlord was considering the implications of the judgement.