More action needed to tackle repairs in housing associations
Emma Foody MP has called for greater protections for people living in housing associations to tackle problems with repairs in their properties.
She highlighted the problems that people in her constituency have faced in Places for People properties with delays to repairs and the standard of properties.
In Parliament during the Business Statement, Ms Foody said:
“I have been working with local people living in Places for People properties at Kirkwood in Burradon, Hadrian Court in Killingworth and Beaconlea in Cramlington.
“We have had significant problems with repairs in those properties, and we are not talking about minor inconveniences. In one case, a property had a missing window for four months; in another, water was coming in from the ceiling for more than a year; and in another, a bathroom leak was unresolved after five years.
“Can we please have a debate on social housing repairs and oversight of housing providers?”
The Leader of the House, Sir Alan Campbell responded:
“I am sorry to hear about the issues that my hon. Friend raises, and I hope that Places for People has heard her comments and raises its game. No resident should be left waiting a long time for repairs to their home”.
Following the exchange, Ms Foody added:
“Far too many people have been facing problems with the standards of their properties and significant delays in works been actioned once these have been reported to Places for People.
“I’ve heard from people where there have been holes in ceilings left, damaged windows not replaced, mould and damp and leaks in properties. It’s not acceptable and when these have been reported, people have waited far too long for the repairs to be completed.
“I’ve been in contact with Places for People, and I am setting up a meeting with their team to discuss addressing this urgently.”