One fifth of Council Housing stock not fit for purpose
On the 5th June, 2017 a report to the East Kent Housing (EKH) board (page 99) made it explicitly clear that “the level of non-decent homes currently stood at around 21- 22%.” Why did it take all four Councils, who own EKH, two more years to report themselves to the appropriate regulator?
On the 11th Sept 2019, The Regulator of Social Housing handed down a critical report of Folkestone & Hythe District Council and how it has failed to look after and manage its social housing stock.
The regulator has concluded that:
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a) Folkestone & Hythe DC has breached the Home standard; and
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b) As a consequence of this breach, there was the potential for serious detriment to Folkestone & Hythe DC tenants.
The regulator will work with Folkestone & Hythe DC as it seeks to remedy this breach and will continue to consider what further action should be taken, including whether to exercise any of its powers.
The Homes standard makes it clear that:
The minimum standard requires:
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The property must be free of Category 1 hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
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It must be in a reasonable state of repair.
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It must have reasonably modern facilities and services.
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It must provide a reasonable degree of thermal comfort.
As an EKH Tenant I am glad the Shepwayvox Team are informing me of the shenanigans East Kent Housing and our Council are up to, or rather not up to.
I feel anxious and concerned because those who are responsible for my home, and the building, are failing to communicate with me and the rest of the tenants about these failing which so many of us have reported. Keep up the good work.
It is quite clear that this is a very weak local authority both in terms of its leadership and management. What is really shocking however is the total lack of concern for the residents who occupy these houses and flats. It is as if the residents are out of sight and out of mind. Has anyone from East Kent Housing or Folkestone & Hythe District Council issued any form of apology to the residents and if not why not? If they have not got the message yet it may be necessary to up the ante. Thanks again to Shepway Vox for bringing this to light,
And what will happen to these “top dogs”? Now’t accept a capped payoff and another job somewhere else. Perhaps the EKH Board might find the balls to sack Upton, as for Priest being sacked by her Council, fat chance. They are equally culpable.
And don’t get me started on Pascoe, Ewart James, Owen & Godfrey. Bring back the stocks…