Tributes paid to former Wolverhampton Homes and National Federation of ALMOs chair

Shaun Aldis, chief executive of Wolverhampton Homes, expressed his sadness at the death of Ms Roberts, calling her a “champion of social housing” who led the housing association with “vision and integrity”.

Mr Aldis said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of councillor Sue Roberts. Sue devoted her time to serving the people of Wolverhampton, especially those residents in need of decent and affordable housing.

“She was a champion of social housing and worked tirelessly to improve the quality and standards delivered across the city by Wolverhampton Homes.”

As chair of the board, he said, “Sue led Wolverhampton Homes with vision and integrity”, and as chair of the NFA, she “advocated for the interests of tenants and residents across the country”.

She was also a “loyal and active” member of Brooklands Tenants and Residents Association, “always listening to and supporting her local community”, he said.

“On behalf of the senior management team, board and colleagues, I would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Sue’s family and friends for their loss. Sue will be sadly missed.”

Sue Kunynec, retired director of people at Wolverhampton Homes, added: “So sorry to hear this sad news. Sue was the bravest person I’ve worked with, a real fighter for tenants at all levels. She will be sorely missed. Condolences to Trevor and her family and friends.”

Eamon McGoldrick, managing director of the NFA, said Ms Roberts was a “very passionate advocate” for social housing and the ALMO sector. 

He said: “She demonstrated this through her roles as a council tenant, chair of Wolverhampton Homes, chair of the NFA and more recently a councillor.

“Sue was fearless when it came to letting politicians and decision makers know how she felt on issues that were important to council tenants and the homes they live in. 

“She combined this with a direct approach and a dry sense of humour. The council housing sector has lost a great ambassador.”

Pat McFadden, chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “Very sad to hear about the death of councillor Sue Roberts. I knew her for many years and she worked hard for tenants’ rights on the board of Wolverhampton Homes and for the constituents she represented. May she rest in peace.”

Alison Inman, chair of Tpas, said: “I am so very sorry to hear this. It was a pleasure to work with Sue all those years ago at the NFA and it was wonderful to see her flourish in her role as a councillor.”

Tracey Lees, former chief executive of Wandle Housing Association, said: “So sad to hear of Sue’s passing. She was a woman of action with high levels of energy and I enjoyed talking to her about ALMO events.

“I was pleased to hear she went on to be a councillor, as local government needs good people like Sue.”

Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said: “Very sad news. I had the privilege of meeting Sue on a few occasions. She was a fantastic advocate for council housing overall and especially for the ALMO sector. She will be missed. My thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues.”

Stephen Simkins, leader of Wolverhampton Council, said: “On behalf of everyone at the City of Wolverhampton, I’d like to pass on my sincere condolences to the family and friends of councillor Roberts for their loss.

“Sue was a passionate local councillor who served the whole city with great distinction in a number of roles over the years. She will be sadly missed, not only by her fellow councillors, but also by everyone she worked with in the city.”