CIH pays tribute to former president Peter Kegg

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is saddened to learn of the death of former CIH president Peter William Kegg, who passed away on 24 August 2026, aged 84.

Peter dedicated more than six decades of his life to improving housing and supporting people facing disadvantage. Throughout his career and retirement, he remained committed to the simple but powerful belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home and to be treated with dignity and respect.

Peter began his housing career in 1964 at the age of 22, collecting rent door-to-door for Winchester City Council. At a time when payments were collected in cash, he built close relationships with tenants and developed a deep understanding of how good housing could transform lives. His son, John, recalls that from the very beginning Peter's aim was "to improve people's welfare through better housing and recognising people as individuals with souls".

Peter progressed rapidly through the profession and moved to Eastbourne, where he became one of the youngest housing directors in the country in the 1970s. He later served as Director of Housing, Health and Community Services, remaining with the council until his retirement in 1995.

Retirement marked a new chapter in Peter's service to others as he went on to become chief executive of Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BHCA) until 2007, helping vulnerable people move off the streets and into shelter and settled housing.

Alongside his professional career, Peter devoted significant time to charitable and voluntary work, with links to housing. During the 1980s he worked with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build homes for disadvantaged communities in the United States. He continued to support housing, homelessness and community initiatives throughout his retirement, including projects such as the Lily Project women's shelter and café in Bournemouth.

Peter served as president of CIH in 1986-87, a role he greatly enjoyed. Through his travels across the UK and internationally, he championed housing's vital role in creating stronger communities and improving people's lives.

Paying tribute, CIH chief executive Gavin Smart said: "Peter devoted his life to helping others and to improving housing for people and communities. His career reflected the very best of our profession: a determination to make a difference, a commitment to public service and a belief in the value and dignity of every individual.

"As a former CIH president, Peter made an important contribution to our organisation and the wider housing sector. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched."

Peter William Kegg
15 April 1942 to 24 August 2026

CIH extends its sincere condolences to Peter's family, friends and colleagues.