Government brands squalid housing conditions ‘unacceptable’ after ITV documentary

The squalid conditions were also condemned by Kate Henderson, chief executive of the National Housing Federation. “The stories on last night’s programme are just not acceptable, not only because of the levels of disrepair in these homes, but also because the residents have had to wait so long for these conditions to be tackled,” she said in a statement.

“Housing associations take these issues very seriously and last year invested £5.7bn in repairs and maintenance. Overall, housing association homes are better quality than other types of homes. But clearly, as a sector, it is vital we learn from what has gone wrong in the cases uncovered by ITV.

“There are certain standards that homes must meet, and I have spoken to housing associations across the country that are taking urgent action on this, as are we at the National Housing Federation.

“Last year, the National Housing Federation launched a new set of standards for housing associations. It was developed with residents, and allows them to hold their housing association to account.

“We have also been working with housing associations in every region of the country to understand what more we in the social housing sector can do to tackle disrepair, including damp and mould. This is part of our commitment to work closely with the ongoing review by the Housing Ombudsman to develop practical solutions to put things right.”

A Local Government Association spokesperson said: “Nobody should have to live in poor or inadequate housing conditions and the reports we have seen are disturbing and unacceptable.

“Councils are determined that all residents, regardless of tenure, have the security of a safe and well-maintained home with any issues quickly and satisfactorily resolved.

“The LGA will also be working to support the sector through the delivery of a social housing management peer review programme.

“As we recover from the pandemic, councils want to work closely with government to tackle the current housing shortage and to be given further powers and resources to build 100,000 high-quality social homes for rent each year.”

ITV correspondent Daniel Hewitt spent six months investigating the issues raised by a number of tenants. The L&Q tenant featured in the programme, Junior Jimoh, lived in a home which had significant mould issues that contributed to his breathing problems.

Fiona Fletcher-Smith, L&Q’s chief executive, apologised for the conditions faced by Mr Jimoh.

She said: “I am very sorry that our service fell so far short of the standard we expect for residents in this case. Mr Jimoh was badly let down by L&Q.

“The safety and welfare of residents is our number-one priority and we acknowledge that this case was completely unacceptable.

“We have since been doing everything we can to put things right.

“Mr Jimoh was moved into a brand-new temporary home in May and we are working closely with him to secure a permanent, fully adapted home for him in an area of his choice [...]

“To make sure that a similar case cannot happen again, we have shared Mr Jimoh’s story with all of our colleagues and have made a number of changes to ensure that residents’ voices are always heard, and that safety and quality issues are identified and addressed.”

A spokesperson for Clarion said: “At the Eastfields estate in Merton we apologised for past mistakes and continue to take action to improve conditions on the estate.

“We are listening to residents and working closely with the council, to ensure improvements in living conditions now and drive forward our plan for regeneration in the future. We have visited each and every home on the estate and since then have completed over 500 repairs.”

Clarion said it has commissioned a review of “lessons learnt” from Eastfields, which it will publish in the autumn.

“This will sit alongside a plan that renews our commitment to our residents, comprising everything from investment in their homes to ensuring a regular and visible Clarion presence in their local communities,” the spokesperson added.

Croydon Council’s Regina Road tower block was also featured on the programme, which a report found in May failed to deliver "basic housing standards".

A Croydon Council spokesperson said: “As a result of the issues highlighted earlier this year, the council found new homes for the residents needing immediate help, and we have developed a wider plan to improve the service we give all our residents.

"To date this includes completing over 2,350 additional repairs across the borough, starting condition surveys to help plan major upgrades to our high-rises, and we are setting up a new Housing Improvement Board so residents have a stronger voice. We are determined to make sure our residents receive a better, more responsive and compassionate service."

Matt Downie, director of policy and external affairs at Crisis, said: “We desperately need more social housing. No one should have to choose between a home covered in mould or no home at all. This powerful documentary has also shown we need far better enforcement of the consumer standards in our housing system. Tenants must be heard.”

ITV’s Mr Hewitt said the investigation was “not over” and will continue in the following months, leaving the possibility of further programmes at a later date.

UPDATE: A comment was added from Croydon Council at 3pm on 13 September.