A new independent panel has been set up to enable tenants and leaseholders at London’s first resident-owned social landlord to scrutinise its performance.

Phoenix Community Housing has given its residents greater powers to monitor services and suggest improvements.

The panel will meet on a quarterly basis and make recommendations to the board, building on the work of existing resident groups and community links initiatives.

Members of the new panel gathered in May at The Green Man in Catford to outline their initial priorities and met senior staff.

Komi Noudoukou, one of five residents elected to the panel, said: "I’m looking forward to making suggestions and improvements as part of the new scrutiny panel."

Phoenix chief exec said: "It’s important that our residents are able to recognise, and challenge us when we don’t get things right and help us to make improvements."