Last week the BBC published an investigation into social housing conditions in Hastings and Rye that revealed more cases of Southern Housing failing its tenants. I want to thank Anna, Vicky and Jessica, who featured in the article, for bravely speaking out.
As our MP, I have seen many cases like these. I am currently dealing with around 40 live cases with Southern Housing tenants in inadequate conditions, and I know it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Local councillors, charities and council officers are also aware of many similar situations.
In my first speech in Parliament, I spoke about how issues with Southern Housing properties are one of the most pressing problems facing our area. The impact these failures are having on our community cannot be underestimated. The stress of living in a building infested with bed bugs or bringing up your family in a damp, mouldy home is huge. Play equipment has been taken away from children, and residents feel ignored when they raise concerns.
Since being elected, I have had numerous meetings with Paul Hackett, the CEO of Southern Housing, and his team to raise these issues and discuss individual cases. I have urged them to move faster, do more and communicate better with my constituents. There has been much talk and the residents of Southern Housing need to see action.
Hastings and Rye are at the sharp end of the housing crisis. Not only do we have social housing tenants living in these unacceptable conditions, we also have an unacceptable number of children growing up in temporary accommodation – the equivalent of one child in every classroom.
Clearly something has to change.
To tackle this crisis, the Labour government has introduced the Renters’ Rights Bill to end the cruel, no-fault Section 21 evictions, which push thousands of people into homelessness every year.
But most importantly, we need to build more homes, particularly social homes.
This Labour government has begun to reform our broken planning system to deliver 1.5 million homes over the next five years. By getting Britain building again, we will ensure that millions of people up and down the country have a safe, affordable, and decent home they can be proud of.
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